HC Deb 20 March 1974 vol 870 cc1012-3
9. Mr. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received in the matter of full development status for Edinburgh.

Mr. William Ross

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh raised this with me when I met him on 15th March. I assured him that when the Government come to look at assisted area boundaries generally we shall give full consideration to Edinburgh's case.

Mr. Hutchison

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that in the last Parliament all seven Edinburgh Members wanted this dealt with and that we failed? All that we want now—and I think we are united about it—is for the Secretary of State to make the capital the same as the rest of Scotland.

Mr. Ross

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that we cannot treat Edinburgh in isolation from the rest of the country. I assure him that we shall look at this question when the whole position is reviewed.

Mr. Rifkind

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the same promise as his Conservative predecessor that, when any change is made in development area status throughout Britain, Edinburgh given the first priority?

Mr. Ross

I will not be tied to promises which that lot made.