§ 1. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what machinery of consultation has been established between his Department and the Board of Trade about alternative industry in Midlothian arising out of the White Paper on Fuel Policy.
§ Mr. RossThrough the Scottish Economic Planning Board and other channels, my Departments are in close and constant contact with the Board of Trade on matters concerning industrial development in Scotland. I do not consider that the White Paper on Fuel Policy requires any alteration in this machinery of consultation.
§ 2. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has had from the Scottish Trades Union Congress about employment and prospects in Scotland; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. RossEmployment and economic prospects were among the subjects discussed with the Scottish Trades Union Congress at its meeting with the Prime Minister and myself on 19th October. The S.T.U.C. was assured that, with the help of the wider range of incentives now available, the Government will operate their regional development policies with the firm aim of substantially reducing, and eventually eliminating, the disparity in unemployment between the development areas and the rest of Great Britain.