§ 1. Mr. Norman HoggTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a progress report on the wind-up of Cumbernauld development corporation. [38704]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. George Kynoch)Cumbernauld development corporation is on course for complete wind-up by 31 December 1996.
§ Mr. HoggI thank the Minister for that reply. Will he join me in thanking Cumbernauld development corporation, its officers and members of the board, past and present, for the considerable achievements in developing the new town, not least in inward investment? Will he consider the issue of inward investment into retail trading as shopping in Cumbernauld is not nearly as good as it should be for a town of its size? Would the Minister be kind enough to meet me to discuss that matter of importance to local people?
§ Mr. KynochThe hon. Gentleman is a firm advocate for his constituents. Whenever he has asked for a meeting with me I have been only too pleased to give it, and I am more than willing to meet him to discuss the issue that he has raised today. I am happy to praise David Mitchell, his board and all the staff of the development corporation for the significant work that they have done for Cumbernauld. When I was last there, they showed me the retail development work that they had done. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, they are now at about phase 5 of the retail development, which is being carried out by the new local authority in conjunction with the private sector. I hope that it will develop smoothly and successfully for the people of Cumbernauld.