HC Deb 27 November 1963 vol 685 cc64-5W
44 and 45. Mr. Small

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) who were the professional consultants engaged to advise on publicity in connection with the White Paper on Central Scotland, Command Paper No. 2188; and what was the amount of the fees paid;

(2) what is the number of staff employed in the Scottish Information Office; and why professional consultants were employed to advise on publicity in connection with the programme for Development and Growth in Central Scotland, Command Paper No. 2188.

46. Mr. Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the recommendations made by the professional consultants engaged by him to advise on publicity in connection with the White Paper on Central Scotland, Command Paper No. 2188.

48. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when his proposed discussions will start with the Scottish Council on the offer by the Government of a finnacial contribution to the Council to help them in the work of publicising Scotland.

Mr. Noble

As regards the scope of the report by Messrs. S. H. Benson Ltd. and the decision not to publish it, I would refer hon. Members to the replies given on 20th May and 24th October last by my right hon. Friend, the Minister without Portfolio. The Scottish Information Office has a total staff for all purposes of 22, but this special review covering all the development districts clearly required, in the Government's judgment, an independent investigation. Discussions have already begun with the Scottish Council on the Government's offer of financial assistance to help them in publicising Scotland.