§ 80. Mr. James Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether 394W he will now issue a revised version of the appropriate sections of his Report, The Scottish Economy 1965–70, relating to Inverurie Locomotive Works.
§ 83. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received the letter from the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds regarding the loss and damage which will be inflicted on the city and county of Aberdeen by the closure of the British Railways workshops at Inverurie; what reply he has sent; and what plans he has to deal with the situation.
§ Mr. Ross:This letter reached my office on 16th December and an acknowledgement has been sent. British Railways have said that they are considering the future of the workshops but have not yet taken any decision. Before taking a decision the Board would consult the unions fully. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I are keeping in close touch with developments.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what communications he has received from the North-East Development Committee regarding the closure of Inverurie Locomotive Works; what study he has made of the implication of this closure for the economy of North-East Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ross:I have received a request to meet representatives of the North-East of Scotland Development Committee to discuss the future of the Inverurie Workshops together with a memorandum on this subject. I am satisfied that the Government, as well as the British Railways Board, have all the information which they need and fully recognise the importance of employment in the workshops to the economy of the area.