HL Deb 19 May 1982 vol 430 cc702-3

2.51 p.m.

Lord Glenkinglas

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have seen the report of the Church and Nation Committee of the Church of Scotland, published on 12th May, and if so, whether they will make a statement on that part of the report which discusses "The Scottish Identity".

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (The Earl of Mansfield)

My Lords, I have noted with interest the report of the Church and Nation Committee to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and in particular that part of the report to which the Question refers. It implies that the Scots should build on their strengths and eradicate their weaknesses and in that respect expresses sentiments with which I am sure your Lordships—whether Scottish or not—would fully agree.

Lord Glenkinglas

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that slightly curious reply, may I ask whether he agrees that it is not altogether fair, when the Scottish workforce has taken a number of years to come away from the reputation of the "Red Clydeside" to being the favourite investment point for almost all American industry in Europe? In those circumstances, is it not rather unfair for the Church of Scotland at this moment to suggest that Scots are too fat, too lazy and too drunk to be of much use in the industrial field, and is this not quite contrary to what my noble friend and his right honourable friends are trying to do to bring industry to Scotland?

The Earl of Mansfield

My Lords, the general assembly is due to debate this report tomorrow, and I hesitate to pre-empt its deliberation. However, what I can say to my noble friend is that many representatives of foreign companies which have set up in Scotland have expressed their satisfaction at Scottish workers' competence and adaptability to change, and as witness of that we have the example of the development of the electronics industry in Scotland and the highly successful oil-related industry up the eastern seaboard.

Lord Mackie of Benshie

My Lords, would the Minister not agree that self-criticism is quite a healthy sign? Might it not apply to the Government in some cases?

The Earl of Mansfield

My Lords, I think that it is worthy of note that the committee has, in fact, paid tribute to the Scottish Office for its contribution to the development and the fostering of national pride, and for its securing the development of all things Scottish.

Lord Mackie of Benshie

My Lords, is the Minister not aware that that answer illustrates the need for self-criticism instead of self-praise?

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