§ 30. Mr. Lambieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the global sum necessary for the provision of the iron ore terminal at Hunterston, in Ayrshire.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThis is a matter for the British Steel Corporation, which has announced the cost as £26 million.
§ Mr. LambieSurely the right hon. Gentleman must realise that if the Hunterston ore terminal is to go ahead the money must be supplied by the Government, directly or indirectly, to the British Steel Corporation and the Clyde Port Authority. Will he be honest with the House and give us an assurance today that the Government will provide the necessary finance for the terminal to give the necessary boost to the Scottish economy?
§ Mr. CampbellI have given the hon. Gentleman the estimate for which he asked. The project formed part of the British Steel Corporation's capital investment programme, for which the Government make loans available in the normal way. The Clyde Port Authority has not so far made an application to the Department of the Environment for approval for loan assistance for its share of the project.
§ Sir F. MacleanCan my right hon. Friend say what will be the extent of the terminal and the connected installations? Will he see that everything possible is done to preserve the amenities of the area?
§ Mr. CampbellI cannot in a short reply tell my hon. Friend the extent of the new installation, but I can assure him that it is my intention, as the Minister responsible for the environment in Scotland, to do all I can to protect the environment, while encouraging desirable industrial development.