§ 2. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many defence establishments there are in Scotland; and how many of Her Majesty's Forces are stationed in Scotland.
§ The Minister of State for Defence (Mr. William Rodgers)On 1st January 1975 there were some 270 defence establishments in Scotland at which 17,310 Service personnel were stationed.
§ Mr. DalyellDo not these facts make talk of a separate Scottish army, navy and air force absurd?
§ Mr. RodgersIndeed they do, but many other facts point in exactly the same direction.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherWill the Minister take this opportunity to express his appreciation to the troops who have cleared thousands of tons of rubbish from the streets of Glasgow? Will he also express his appreciation to the Army for helping to defend what is left of the social contract?
§ Mr. RodgersNotwithstanding the hon. Gentleman's final oblique remark, his kind comments on the work of the Army in Glasgow will be much appreciated, as the Army's work was appreciated by the people of Glasgow.
§ Mrs. BainCan the Minister give an indication to the House of how many of the establishments are nuclear bases and how many of the jobs are attached to nuclear bases? Will he at the very least give a commitment to the people of Scotland that there will he no further proliferation of nuclear bases on the soil or in the waters of Scotland?
§ Mr. RodgersThe issue of nuclear bases does not arise directly from this Question. Certainly the majority of the 270 defence establishments in Scotland are concerned with non-nuclear matters.