HC Deb 23 April 1975 vol 890 cc1462-3
7. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the inhibiting effects of continued membership of the EEC on his pursuit of regional policies as outlined in the consultative document on the creation of a Scottish Development Agency.

Mr. Milian

The Government are satisfied that the establishment of the Scottish Development Agency will not be inhibited by EEC Treaty obligations.

Mr. Hamilton

This question was tabled before the publication of the Scottish Development Agency Bill, which was welcomed by almost everyone in Scotland. Will the Minister give an assurance that the Government will proceed as speedily as the Opposition parties will allow in putting this legislation on the statute book?

Mr. Millan

We are anxious to proceed with all speed with this Bill. I am sorry that the Conservative Opposition have been unco-operative. However, I dare say that that will change, because I am sure that the Conservatives, like us, want to see this Bill on the statute book at the earliest possible date. Certainly the people in Scotland want that.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that the money with which he proposes to take over and run industries, firms and businesses in Scotland might be better used to restore the £60 million cut in school building in Scotland, which will affect education in Scotland for many years to come?

Mr. Millan

There has been no £60 million cut in school building allocations in Scotland. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to debate these matters, perhaps he will be more co-operative about bringing the SDA Bill forward.

Mr. Steel

As regards the EEC, since the Secretary of State is one of the leaders of disruption, may we know who will proclaim Government policy and the advantages of membership of the EEC to Scotland, and within the country, during the referendum?

Mr. Millan

That matter has already been dealt with.

Mrs. Winifred Ewing

Will the Minister ask the Secretary of State for Scotland to ask the Prime Minister to remove the gag which seems to be affecting the Secretary of State? Having voted against membership of the EEC, will he please take the people of Scotland into his confidence? As regards regional policies, does the Minister not agree that albeit that the regional policies of the United Kingdom are inadequate to solve the problems of Scotland, they are a lot better than the paltry efforts of the EEC regional fund?

Mr. Millan

That seems to raise a number of questions. I had not noticed my right hon. Friend being gagged on anything.

Mrs. Winifred Ewing

When will the Minister explain?