HC Deb 18 July 1973 vol 860 cc479-80
18. Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to ensure independent Scottish representation on the proposed EEC Committee for Regional Development.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The Commission has yet to publish its proposals for membership of the Regional Development Committee. My intention will be to ensure that the interests of Scotland are taken into account in the work of the committee in the most effective way.

Mr. Johnston

That really is no answer. Is it the view of the Secretary of State that Scotland should have direct representation on such a committee? Will he accept, also, the view that regional economic weakness is often directly related to a lack of effective political projection?

Mr. Campbell

We have to await the Commission's proposals, which have not yet been put forward. My main concern is that Scottish interests should be pressed. How best that can be done we shall have to wait and see.

Mr. Edward Taylor

In this connection, has not the Commission told the British Government that we must not pay grants of 4 per cent. to the Marathon Company at Clydebank, as has been extensively reported? If that is so, how does that square with the assurance that we have been given that the regional grants set out in the Industry Act and the White Paper could continue to be paid until 1977?

Mr. Campbell

I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has now received a communication of the kind that has been reported in the Press, and is now considering a response to it.