HC Deb 06 June 1972 vol 838 cc231-2
Q2. Mr. Ewing

asked the Prime Minister if he will replace the Secretary of State for Scotland.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. Unless and until I make a statement to the contrary, I have no plans for further ministerial changes.

Mr. Ewing

Is the Prime Minister aware that the people of Scotland will hold the Secretary of State responsible for the Government's failure to develop Hunterston and to take positive steps on the Oceanspan proposals? Is the Prime Minister further aware that the people of Scotland despair of the future under the present Secretary of State?

The Prime Minister

I do not believe that that is the view of the people of Scotland, because they know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave the first planning permission for Hunterston, that he has worked to achieve the survey which is being carried on together by the Hunterston Development company and by the Clyde Port Authority, and that he has done everything possible to bring about the full development of Hunterston.

Mr. Edward Taylor

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the people of Scotland are well aware that many of their present problems are the direct result of the action of the previous Secretary of State, who left Scotland with high and rising unemployment, and with emigration from Scotland at an all-time high in Scotland's history? We now have a situation in which action is being taken and the problem is being solved at last.

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend has rightly summarised the career of the former Secretary of State.