Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if there are any plans under consideration for a long term Indus- 2077W trial trial programme in Scotland which will enable the major industries to provide continuity of employment.
Mr. JohnstonYes, Sir. The consideration which, as already announced, is being given by the Government to postwar industrial reconstruction necessarily includes consideration of the problems of the major industries of Scotland. The Scottish Council on Industry, working in close contact with my Advisory Council of Ex-Secretaries, is considering the special problems of Scottish industry, and I have sent to my hon. Friend copies of the Reports which it has issued from time to time summarising what has been done to ensure that the industrial position of Scotland is fully safeguarded. Plans covering a wide range of post-war development in Scotland are being actively prepared, including in particular a considerable housing programme, the utilisation of hydro-electric power and of Scottish coal resources, and the development of agriculture and the fishing industry.