HC Deb 24 October 1973 vol 861 cc1229-30
3. Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will cause the Scottish Development Department to make a study of which areas in Scotland would be suitable for the location of dispersed Government Departments.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

A study has already been carried out by the Government Departments concerned.

Mr. Smith

The Secretary of State will be aware of the magnificent campaign which has been run by local authorities in the West of Scotland, supported by many hon. Members at least from this side of the House, to counteract the Hardman Report. Will he tell us what backing he is giving to the local authorities and others, and what the Scottish Office aims to get for Scotland in respect of Civil Service jobs? Will he tell us, too, how the Scottish Office proposes to achieve this aim?

Mr. Campbell

In the first place, I am concerned with the interests of Scotland as a whole. I congratulate those who have put so forcefully the facts concerning particular areas. I shall ensure in the considerations taking place within the Government that all those facts are brought to the fore.

Mr. Ross

Does not the Secretary of State realise that, in respect of Hardman, only one area in Scotland was considered? If the right hon. Gentleman followed the debate last week, was it not clear to him that there are about 5,000 jobs available that will not go to Milton Keynes as originally planned by Hardman? What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that those jobs come to Scotland? Is he not aware that, if he needs any help in this respect, he will be given such help by every Scottish Member of Parliament?

Mr. Campbell

My hon. Friends the Ministers at the Scottish Office and I listened to every minute of that debate and a Scottish Minister was in the Chamber throughout it. As a result, we recognise that we have the full support of Scottish hon. Members in the matter of dispersal as it affects Scotland. As regards Glasgow, that area was chosen as an outstandingly good location to be mentioned, but that does not exclude other areas of Scotland which can offer good locations for dispersal.