HC Deb 30 June 1976 vol 914 cc374-6
8. Mr. Rifkind

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will list his official engagements for 30th June.

Mr. Millan

I am attending meetings with other Ministers during the day and this afternoon I am meeting a deputation from the Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland about the Licensing (Scotland) Bill.

Mr. Rifkind

Will the right hon. Gentleman include in his programme a meeting with the spineless nationalist party to thank it for selling its birthright last night without even getting a mess of porridge in return? Does he recognise that he and his colleagues, who at least believe in what they are doing, are held in more respect than the pathetic ragbag of cardboard Scotsmen on the nationalist Bench, who have shown that they lack principle, consistency and guts?

Mr. Millan

The hon. Gentleman was late in coming into the Chamber—he has obviously been working on that question. I do not think I need make any additional comment.

Mr. Grimond

When the Secretary of State is considering his engagements for the next six months or so, will he consider having further discussions with various bodies, such as the local authority organisations in Scotland, which are rather worried about what their position will be when the Scottish Assembly is set up? As we have had no general conference on these matters, there are still bodies—the universities are one group, and some local authorities are another—which would value further discussions with the Secretary of State on their position under his proposals.

Mr. Millan

I am not aware of that. I am meeting COSLA, for another reason, within a fortnight. If it wanted to speak to me about the devolution proposals, it would tell me that and I should be happy to meet it. As for the universities, I can say through the Scottish Office, and through my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Privy Council Office, that we have had quite a deal of discussions with the universities in recent weeks.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

If the Secretary of State were to meet the Opposition Chief Whip, he might care to ask him why a Conservative Member was absent last night in the important vote. Even if the SNP had voted with the Opposition, the Opposition would not have carried the day. More important, I remind the right hon. Gentleman that today is a day when many Scottish schoolchildren will be leaving school without any employment prospects. Will the right hon. Gentleman make an immediate appointment with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask him to reflate the economy so that many of these children will be able to find the jobs that they need?

Mr. Millan

We had a debate on youth unemployment on Monday of last week. During that debate I made a number of statements. I do not recollect that the hon. Gentleman was present on that occasion. I do not think I have anything to add at present.

Mr. Alexander Wilson

Does my hon. Friend accept that it is late in the day, on 30th June, to ask about his official engagements? However, is it possible, even at this late stage and this late hour, for my right hon. Friend to visit Orkney and Shetland and to ascertain from the right hon. Gentleman's constituents that under no consideration will they accept separation from the United Kingdom?

Mr. Millan

I am aware of the views that they have expressed—and very interesting views they are too. Even with the improved transport services that have been provided under this Government, however, it would not be possible for me to visit Orkney and Shetland today and to be back in the half hour that would be required to meet the two-line Whip that applies to the Bill to be discussed later today.

Mr. Fairbairn

Will the right hon. Gentleman note that this is 30th June and that the Chairman of the Forestry Commission has retired today? The fact that he was going was known for 18 months. In view of the importance of the forestry industry, why has no appointment been made, or no successor found? When will a successor be found?

Mr. Millan

The hon. and learned Gentleman's question provides me with a convenient opportunity to pay tribute to Lord Taylor for the work that he has done as Chairman of the Forestry Commission. The announcement of his successor will be made very soon. I am sure that it will be a nomination that will have the hon. and learned Gentleman's support.

Several Hon. Members rose

—

Mr. Speaker

I am sorry, but we must move on.