HC Deb 05 April 1989 vol 150 cc175-6
1. Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received the commissioned reports on the economy of Caithness and Sutherland; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. Ian Lang)

I have received the report by PIEDA—Planning, Industrial and Economic Development Advisers—on prospects for the Caithness economy. The report will be published by the Highlands and Islands Development Board next week.

Mr. Maclennan

As the severe economic disruption faced by Caithness and Sutherland is the direct result of the Government's decision last July, in which the Secretary of State for Scotland participated directly, does the Minister accept that the Scottish Office has a particular responsibility to identify and promote suitable Government office relocation in Caithness, which has shown itself to be suitable through the Atomic Energy Authority superannuation office? When does the Minister hope to announce special investment measures to offset the economic losses that have resulted from the Government's decision? Will he also recognise that that is needed to help the infrastructure and local efforts—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. Before the Minister answers, may I ask for brief questions as we are making very slow progress?

Mr. Lang

The Government certainly accept our responsibility to help the economy of the area to flourish. The closure of the fast reactor has been delayed until 1994 and that will enable measures to be taken. The hon. Gentleman will know that the HIDB, with a very substantial budget of more than £45 million, has set up a local project team and the Caithness steering group is looking at the area to see what can be done to assist the economy to recover and to flourish generally, as it is doing.

Mr. Dewar

Does the Minister accept that the Nirex proposals for a nuclear waste deep depository will provide no answer to the economic problems which might result from the phasing out of Dounreay? Will he note that the Labour party and the vast majority of Scots are implacably opposed to such a development by Nirex in Caithness?

Mr. Lang

I note the hon. Gentleman's and the Labour party's position. Nirex has proposed the Dounreay site as a possible area for geological investigation partly because there is a measure of local support in that area. If it were to go ahead, a number of jobs would certainly be created locally. However, the matter will proceed through the normal planning application procedure, as one would expect.

Mr. Salmond

The Nirex proposal for nuclear dumping is fiercely resisted throughout Scotland. If it is dependent on the measure of local support, will the Minister of State give a commitment that the Government will abide by the results of a local referendum on the proposal?

Mr. Lang

I can give the hon. Gentleman no such assurance. There are well tried and tested planning procedures which I am sure will be appropriate.

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