HC Deb 28 June 1976 vol 914 cc8-9
6. Mr. Crawford

asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he next proposes to meet the Chairman of the Scottish Development Agency.

Mr. Alan Williams

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is in close touch with the agency. I shall be glad to meet the chairman if the Secretary of State thinks that it would be useful for me to do so.

Mr. Crawford

In view of the reports that the budget of the NEB is to be considerably increased, will the hon. Gentleman seek approval for the budget of the Scottish Development Agency to be increased to £300 million annually? Does he not agree that oniy a sum of this magnitude can possibly help to regenerate Scottish industry and Scottish shipbuilding in particular? Will he give a copper-bottomed guarantee that there will be no Scottish shipyard closures as a result of shipbuilding nationalisation?

Mr. Williams

I am afraid that I cannot give such assurances on either of the issues that the hon. Gentleman has raised.

Mr. Buchan

If and when my hon. Friend meets the Chairman of the SDA, will he remind him of the problem that we had in getting the Bill setting up that body through the Scottish Committee because of the opposition of SNP Members, and particularly their rejection of the elements that gave it teeth? Furthermore, will he keep in mind the fact that we may well see the same reaction and behaviour from SNP Members in relation to shop stewards as we saw from them on the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Bill?

Mr. Williams

I am sure that those working and those hoping to remain working in the shipbuilding industry in Scotland will have noted the mischievous and harmful activities of the SNP.