HC Deb 12 February 1976 vol 905 cc612-4
Q4. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the coordination between the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Scotland in carrying out the Government's policy of facilitating the dispersal of Ministry of Defence jobs to the west of Scotland.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Taylor

Is the Prime Minister aware of the concern in Scotland that the programme is about six months delayed, and that it now seems that it will not be completed until 1984? Will he give us a clear assurance that work will not be further delayed by the Defence Review? Will he give us some indication when work will start on the building of new offices? I point out to the Scottish National Party that if Scotland goes independent these jobs will go back to the South.

The Prime Minister

The Government remain fully committed to complete within 10 years the programme that we have set ourselves, which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Lord President. There have been a number of difficulties with the staff involved about the move to Scotland. I know that the hon. Gentleman is aware of those matters. I happen to share the view of the hon. Gentleman and the former and present Lord Provosts about the great qualities and attractiveness of Glasgow for such work to be established there.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the decision to disperse Ministry of Defence personnel to Wales smells of jiggery-pokery? Is my right hon. Friend further aware—

Mr. Speaker

Order. A supplementary question must be related to the Question on the Order Paper, which in this instance relates to the dispersal of jobs to the west of Scotland.

Mr. Roy Hughes

My supplementary question was related to the dispersal of Ministry of Defence personnel. I was saying that the decision—

Mr. Speaker

Order. As I understand it, the Question concerns the dispersal of Ministry of Defence jobs to the west of Scotland.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend conduct an investigation into how the decision has been reached regarding Wales?

The Prime Minister

I naturally bow to your superior knowledge of the geography of Wales, Mr. Speaker. With great humility, I submit that no part of Wales is in the west of Scotland.