HC Deb 15 November 1977 vol 939 cc271-2
7. Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consultation there has been with the Scottish brickmakers over the job creation scheme activity to remove the tips of colliery waste shale.

Mr. Golding

None, Sir. I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that no job creation programme projects have been approved in Scotland specifically for the removal of tips of colliery waste shale.

Mr. Morris

I am grateful to the Minister for that answer. However, the information that I have received from the Scottish brickmakers is that there is such a scheme, and if it is not yet started it will go ahead in the near future. May I have an assurance from him that there will now be consultations with the Scottish brickmakers before any decision is made to institute a job creation scheme of this sort?

Mr. Golding

I am aware of no scheme specifically for the removal of tips of colliery waste shale. However, if the hon. Gentleman will let me have details of the matter, I shall look carefully into it.

Mr. Dalyell

Most of the shale tips are in the West Lothian constituency. Is my hon. Friend aware that industries run mostly by William Griffiths Limited are very efficient without the sort of thing suggested by the hon. Member for Northampton, South (Mr. Morris)?

Mr. Golding

I am glad to hear it.