§ Edinburgh City Council Deputation Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has not yet replied to the deputation organised by Edinburgh City Council involving representatives of the Edinburgh Employment Committee which he received some four months ago in connection with the exclusion of Edinburgh from the Investment Incentive Scheme; and what consideration he has given to this Committee's resolution passed unanimously on 6th June, a copy of which has been sent to him, expressing its concern at the failure of the Government to give any indication of intention to include the Edinburgh area in the Scottish Development Area.
§ Mr. RossI made it clear to the deputation which was led by the then Lord Provost of Edinburgh that I could not send a considered reply until their representations, and others which were expected and have come forward subsequently, had been fully studied by the Government. Consideration of the issues raised by these representations is now almost complete, and I expect to send a reply to the Lord Provost very soon.
I have received no communication from the Edinburgh and District Local Employment Committee, which advises my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. I understand, however, that he is considering a resolution on this subject.