HC Deb 18 June 1975 vol 893 cc1368-70
2. Mr. Alexander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next proposes to meet representatives of the STUC.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave him on 23rd April.—[Vol. 890, c. 1459–60.]

Mr. Fletcher

Will the Secretary of State meet again members of the STUC at the earliest opportunity? Has he noticed in today's Press reports that Scottish trade unionists are set to administer the coup de grâce to the Government's incomes policy—the social contract? Will the Secretary of State urge moderate trade unionists in Scotland to speak up against Communists in their ranks, in an effort to ensure that Scotland is not denied the jobs and the investment that are so badly needed?

Mr. Ross

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that when I meet the Scottish TUC the agenda will be dictated not by the whimsicalities of the hon. Gentleman's political nightmares but by the realities of the situation and problems that face Scotland, with the solution to which the STUC is concerned, as I am sure all hon. Members are. I wish the hon. Gentleman would give due credit to the STUC for the constructive work which it is doing about the Scottish situation.

Mr. Crawford

I agree with the Secretary of State that we should give the STUC due credit. However, when he next meets the STUC will he discuss with its members the case of the firm of Glenfield and Kennedy—in his own constituency—and the 29 other companies which have recently been taken over by English companies and have moved their operations and their employment from Scotland to England?

Mr. Ross

As far as Glenfield and Kennedy is concerned, it was not recently taken over by Crane's. It was some time ago, and the hon. Gentleman had nothing to say about it at that time.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least discuss with the STUC the savage effect on Scottish living standards and employment prospects which will stem from the quite astronomical increases in rate poundages being announced? Has he tried to get from the Treasury an interim relief scheme, similar to that approved last year in respect of England and Wales? Has he succeeded? If not, will he look into this matter?

Mr. Ross

With due respect, the Treasury has nothing to do with this Question, which refers to the STUC. If the hon. Gentleman would care to table a Question on the matter he has in mind, I should be glad to answer it.

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