§ 12. Mr. Lambieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Ayr County Council about proposed developments at Hunterston; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RossAyr County Council has asked to meet me, and I will arrange this as soon as I have clarified certain matters.
§ Mr. LambieWhy is my right hon. Friend still refusing to give planning permission for an oil terminal and oil refinery? Is he aware that future steel developments at Hunterston and Garnock Valley are dependent on the siting of the oil refinery at Hunterston and that Ayr County Council is speaking for public opinion in Scotland in demanding an immediate start to the oil terminal and refinery at Hunterston?
§ Mr. RossThat is an exaggeration of the position. I realise that as soon as I sit down an hon. Gentleman who is interested in oil will rise and tell me the opposite in relation to this matter. My hon. Friend should appreciate that this is a complex matter and that it is my responsibility to ensure that any arrangements and decisions are made within a planning decision made by the previous Secretary of State. We have obligations and responsibilities into which we cannot rush.
§ Mr. CorrieI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that remark. I was about to say that, because I fought the election in my constituency on this subject, and I came back with an increased majority. Now that the oil terminal has started, may I have an assurance on the conservation aspect of the terminal—that it will be carefully looked after, according to the letter of the law, and that adequate compensation will be given to farmers and farm workers from those farms that have disappeared because of the development? Is it not a disgrace that some of these people have no homes or jobs because of the development?
Mr. ReesThat is an entirely different matter, but I shall certainly look at it. 412 All these conservation aspects are relevant to the decision that I have to make.
§ Mr. Teddy TaylorWe appreciate that this is a difficult problem, but will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will not allow Hunterston to become sterilised for 20 years by giving the site wholly to the BSC?
§ Mr. RossThe hon. Gentleman must not seek to anticipate a decision which I have to make. He must appreciate that Lord Polwarth, when Minister of State, told Ayr County Council, I think in August of last year, that he hoped to come to decisions by the end of the year. We can understand the frustrations of my hon. Friend the Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Lambie) about this, but the hon. Gentleman must not lead me into temptation