§ Q2. Mr. Douglasasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the arrangements for co-ordination between the Scottish Office and the Department of Trade and Industry with regard to consideration of the findings of the feasibility studies being undertaken at Hunterston.
§ The Prime MinisterWhen the feasibility studies being undertaken by the Hunterston Development Company are available they will be considered carefully by both Departments.
§ Mr. DouglasWill the Prime Minister accept that we need some haste in getting the results of this study? It is of vital importance to solve the problem of what industry should be sited at Hunterston. In particular, will the right hon. Gentleman apply his mind to the issue of whether the area can still be scheduled for either mini-mills or a new steel complex?
§ The Prime MinisterI agree with the need to have a report as speedily as possible. I understand that an interim report is expected in June and a full report by the end of October. Detailed consideration will be given to those re-
§ The UGC figure describes the position at the end of 1971 of those who graduated at the end of the preceding academic year, and, as I have said, at the end of 1971 the proportion of graduates unemployed was 3.9 per cent. As for the fears to which the right hon. Gentleman referred, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment has taken action and is urging industry to look to the future, in the light of our reflationary measures, and to allow courses to be taken up.
§ Following is the information:
§ ports, but I understand that those concerned with the feasibility study will take into account the other possibilities which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned.
§ Sir F. MacleanWill my right hon. Friend ensure that whatever decision is taken in regard to Hunterston, due regard is had for the amenities of the Clyde and for the views and securities of the local population?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has already demonstrated that very clearly by the inquiry which was held before he gave any planning permission for the Hunterston area, and I am sure he will continue to bear the environmental factors very much in mind.
§ Mr. RossWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the findings of this feasibility study will be made public and that we have an opportunity of discussing them in the House before decisions on them are taken?
§ The Prime MinisterI shall certainly look into that question. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, it is a feasibility study which is being carried on by a development company.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, with the help of the Scottish Office and the Department of Trade and Industry.