HC Deb 12 February 1975 vol 886 cc359-60
13. Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is his intention to be present at the Prime Minister's talks with the Scottish Trades Union Congress on 27th-28th February.

Mr. William Ross

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Lambie

If my right hon. Friend meets the Prime Minister, will he remind him that especially after the statement made by the Secretary of State for Industry last week many people in Scotland are worried about the future of the Scottish steel industry? Will he seek an assurance from the Prime Minister that the additional £400 million for development in England and Wales will not be taken from money already allocated to developments in Scotland, especially those at Hunterston and Glenganock?

Mr. Ross

In his statement my right hon. Friend gave a clear undertaking that the conclusions reached for England and Wales did not prejudge or prejudice the review now taking place in respect of Scotland. I received the impression that that statement was reasonably well received in Scotland. However, my hon. Friend is an exception to that.

Mr. David Steel

Will the Secretary of State, either at the February meeting or on a later occasion, discuss with the Scottish TUC his views on the merits of Britain's remaining within the Common Market on the terms negotiated by the Government?

Mr. Ross

I do not doubt that when we deal with these matters that problem will be raised.