HC Deb 04 July 1979 vol 969 cc1368-9
17. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to discuss with the Confederation of British Industry in Scotland and the Scottish Trades Union Congress the Government's economic strategy.

Mr. Younger

I have no doubt that, in the meetings I shall continue to have from time to time with both bodies, the Government's economic policies will be discussed fully.

Mr. Douglas

Does not the Minister agree that if he goes along on that basis there will be an extremely short agenda? However, he might supplement the agenda by deciding as fast as he can to create jobs, especially in Fife, by making a decision on the Braefoot Bay-Moss Morran project. This is the longest running public inquiry on record. Will he put the developers, the local authorities and the residents out of their misery by announcing today when he intends to make a decision?

Mr. Younger

I should have thought that if I were to discuss with these bodies the Government's economic strategy it would be a very long agenda and hardly a short one—I hope it would be. As for Moss Morran, the hon. Member will not expect me to express an opinion either way, except to assure him that there will be no undue delay on my part in taking into account, in a proper manner, all the representations that are made, and making a decision as quickly as possible.

Mr. Henderson

Does my right hon. Friend accept that a great many people who are concerned with this matter will much appreciate his answer? Many believe that this is not the right place for a development of the kind proposed.

Mr. Younger

I make no pronouncements either for or against this development. All I can say is that I am carefully taking into account all the representations that have been made.