HC Deb 15 December 1976 vol 922 cc1497-8
1. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of the Spring-burn Comprehensive Development Plan.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Frank McElhone)

A start has been made to housing and industrial development but much will depend on the new road pattern in the area. Implementation of the plan is for the two local authorities concerned.

Mr. Buchanan

Is my hon. Friend aware that his reply will cause some disappointment in the Springburn area? If the Government are serious about revitalising British industry it is absolutely essential that such excellent sites as exist in Springburn for industry and commerce are suitably serviced, and therefore that the infrastructure is started straight away.

Mr. McElhone

I realise my hon. Friend's concern about the development programme, but this is a matter for the Strathclyde Region and Glasgow District Council. Nevertheless, I shall convey my hon. Friend's concern to those two authorities.

Mr. Carmichael

Will my hon. Friend use his good offices with the two local authorities concerned? It is perfectly clear, as my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Springburn (Mr. Buchanan) said, that the amount of dereliction in areas such as his and mine is a positive discouragement to industry to come to the area.

Mr. McElhone

I recognise the concern expressed by my hon. Friend. I must be fair to the local authorities, which are going through a difficult time because of the financial stringency that we have imposed upon them. However, they are conscious of the need to attract jobs and to provide proper sites in the Glasgow area. I shall undertake to convey my hon. Friends' remarks to the appropriate authorities.

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