HC Deb 11 March 1976 vol 907 cc623-4
Q6. Mr. Canavan

asked the Prime Minister what he proposes to discuss with the STUC when he meets it in April.

The Prime Minister

My colleagues and I expect to discuss a wide range of issues concerned with the Scottish economy when I meet the STUC in Glasgow next month, Sir.

Mr. Canavan

Will my right hon. Friend discuss with the STUC what measures should be taken to reduce the appalling total of over 150,000 unemployed in Scotland? Instead of listening to characters like the CBI and the hypocrites in the Tory Pary who are calling out for even more cuts in public expenditure and even more wage restraint, will my right hon. Friend have a word with my good friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to see that he introduces some reflationary measures in his Budget to try to create more jobs in Scotland and elsewhere?

The Prime Minister

I am very glad that my hon. Friend, after a good night's sleep, is less kindly disposed to the Conservative Party that he appeared to be last night. In reply to the serious part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question—at the beginning—as he will know, that subject formed a great part of the discussions of my right hon. Friends and myself with the Scottish TUC last year. Although, as far as I know, no final agenda has been drawn up, I expect that subject to loom very large at the meeting next month.

Mr. Crawford

Will the Prime Minister listen carefully to the STUC's objections to public expenditure cuts in Scotland and reprimand his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer for suggesting to my hon. Friend the Member for Dunbartonshire, East (Mrs. Bain) that trade unionists were in favour of public expenditure cuts? The STUC is not, and the Scottish National Party supports the STUC.

The Prime Minister

I am confused about exactly where the SNP stands on this question. I accept what the hon. Gentleman said. If he will let me have a note of where the SNP stands, I shall be interested to study it over the week-end.

Mr. Heffer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that my hon. Friend the Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan) was not well disposed to the Conservative Party, and that hon. Members who abstained on last night's vote did so precisely because the Government had pursued Conservative policies in relation to public expenditure?

The Prime Minister

It is always an arguable question about promiscuity whether one is more open to criticism for going into the bedroom or being the lap dog outside the door.