HC Deb 21 February 1973 vol 851 cc451-2
8. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Glenrothes is the only new town in Scotland without any Civil Service employment of a non-industrial nature; and what steps he intends to take to change this situation.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Glenrothes does in fact have a small element of non-industrial Civil Service employment though I am aware that it has not so far attracted large projects. The facilities which the new town can offer in this field are borne fully in mind when locations for new or transferred Government works are being decided.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman now studying the Hardman Report, which I understand is already in the Government's hands? Will he take into account the needs of East Scotland, particularly Glenrothes, although there has been considerable pressure from the West and Glasgow? In particular there is a strong case for getting population out of Glasgow rather than into Glasgow. Will the right hon. Gentleman bear this in mind when he considers the Hardman Report?

Mr. Campbell

The Government will in due course be considering that report fully. I am very much aware of the needs of new towns as well as of Glasgow. I have called a meeting for this coming Friday with the three chairmen of new towns which are currently receiving Government establishments and with the Lord Provost of Glasgow, so that we can compare experience on how best to receive the key workers who have to move. I have considerable experience, because I was a member of the Conservative Government involved in the decision to move the National Savings Bank to Glasgow.

Mr. John Smith

As the Hardman Report is now available, what is the Secretary of State doing to make sure that the maximum number of Civil Service jobs come to Scotland? He will no doubt be able to use all the experience he has acquired in the past, but will he tell us what he is doing at the moment?

Mr. Campbell

As I have said, the Hardman Report will be considered. I am doing all I can to point out the attractions of Scotland as a location for these offices. Scotland has received more than one-fifth of the work dispersed from London, and it is receiving more than two-fifths of the work currently awaiting dispersal. Because of the success of what is happening, I am pressing for more such offices to move to and be set up in Scotland.