§ 1. Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the work of the Scottish Development Agency in creating employment opportunities in Scotland.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. Gregor MacKenzie)Before I answer, perhaps I may be permitted—as is appropriate on this first Scottish Question time—to say how much all of us on both sides of the House very much regret the passing of Willie Small, who has been our friend and colleague for many years. His considerable industrial experience in the West of Scotland has been of great value to Scottish Ministers. The commonsense advice that he gave us both publicly and privately will be sorely missed. He was a man of great sincerity and integrity and he had a very finely tuned sense of humour. His witty interventions in the House often brought hon. Members and Ministers down to earth. I join with you, Mr. Speaker, in expressing our sincere condolences to Mrs. Small and her family at this time of bereavement.
424 The answer to the hon. Member's Question is "Yes, Sir."
§ Mr. ShepherdIs the Minister of State aware of a letter which I wrote to the Secretary of State for Scotland in which I drew attention to the investment by the Scottish Development Agency in the firm Highlands Metals Limited, of Elgin? Is he aware that many people in Hereford feel strongly that public money should not he used to create jobs which will lead to job losses in Hereford? Does he agree that the industry in which the investment was made was oversubscribed? May we have an assurance that the Minister will stop further development of this type? Will he ensure that no further nonsensical investments of this kind occur?
§ Mr. MacKenzieThe hon. Member was kind enough to write to me about this matter. The SDA is not directly managed by me, nor would I wish to be. It exercises its own commercial judgment. I know that it carries out certain studies and makes projections in the market. It is right that it should be free to do this work if it believes that there is a market. I understand that, particularly in oil-related industry, there is a need for business of this kind. It is rather surprising that a Conservative Member should express a fear of competition.
§ Mr. ShepherdOn a point of order. I am not at all happy with the Minister's answer. I give notice that I shall seek to raise the question on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member has effectively cut out any further supplementaries to his Question.