asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of houses started in the private sector during the first quarter of 1971; and what increase this represents over the same quarter in 1970.

The number was 1,832–29 per cent. more than were started in the first quarter of 1970.

These are absolutely first-class figures for Scotland. What actions on the part of the Government caused these figures to be achieved? May we have an assurance that every step will be taken to increase the number of owner-occupiers in Scotland?

I thank my hon. Friend for those comments. I agree that it is desirable to increase the number of people who are able to own their own homes. These figures have been brought about partly by various measures that have been taken by the Government to make it more attractive for people to become home owners.

As the hon. Gentleman is in a boastful mood, may I ask him to answer the question which has been repeatedly put to him, namely, will the Conservative Government build more houses in total than were built in the last year of the Labour Administration?

That is another question which is not related only to private house building. I have consistently told the hon. Gentleman that our objective is to build as many houses as possible in areas of general need.

Recalling that 1969 was the best year since the war for private house building, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to say whether he thinks the Conservative Government will achieve in 1971 the record figure of that year? If so, the figure for the first quarter is very disappointing.

The figure for the first quarter of 1971 relates, of course, to only one quarter of the year, and one should not read too much into it. However, the present trend represents an encouraging start.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Hunter Report on Fishing Rights.

My right hon. Friend is preparing proposals.

Will the angling community have an official Governmental view before the Summer Recess?

When proposals have been prepared they will be announced in the proper way.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great potential which exists in the Highlands of Scotland from the point of view of trout fishing in hill lochs? Will he bear in mind that restocking, which is essential, will not take place unless some assurance of legal protection is given?

My hon. Friend raises an important point, of which we are aware. I assure him that it will be taken into account in our consideration of this matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Opposition will look with a jaundiced eye on proposals which protect only trout-fishing rights and which do not take into account the need to open up fishing in Scotland to the vast majority of the population?

It ill becomes the hon. Gentleman to put it in that way, for the Labour Party took five years simply to study the proposals and then did not announce a decision. We shall certainly do much better than that.

Is the much-increased catch by drift netting off the north-east coast of England likely to affect stocks in Scottish rivers?

This is a matter which we shall be considering.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further proposals he has to strengthen the building societies in Scotland, and for making mortgages easier and cheaper to obtain.

The building societies have agreed to improve their lending arrangements, and for our part we are making the option mortgage scheme more flexible. The societies and their mortgagees will also benefit from the Budget proposals of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, especially from the abolition of stamp duty on mortgages and the reductions in income tax and corporation tax. We will take further steps if these are necessary to promote home ownership in Scotland.

These measures will unquestionably be helpful. Can my hon. Friend confirm that there are many people in the lower income groups who would like to become home owners? What steps is it proposed to take to assist them?

I am very conscious of that problem, as my hon. Friend knows—and this is one of the reasons why we have removed all restrictions on mortgage lending by local authorities, so that they will more easily be able to fill the gap between those whom building societies are unable to help and those who would still wish to own their own homes.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of any discussions that have taken place between the Scottish banks and the Bank of England in relation to the Bank of England's discussions document? How will that affect building society deposits in Scotland and the ability of building societies to reduce their interest rates to borrowers?

This is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I have had no representations from the building societies in Scotland that this will cause any difficulties for them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give details of the research now being done into the relationship between alcoholism or excessive drinking and crime, stating by whom such research is being financed.

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of four programmes of criminological research in Scotland known to me to be concerned in part with the relationship between alcoholism or excessive drinking and crime.

Would the hon. Gentleman say how much of this research is financed by the brewers? Can he also confirm the figures given by his hon. Friend in a speech a week or two ago, when he said that 20 per cent. of crime in Scotland was directly related to excessive drinking? Will he persuade his hon. Friends to use the £150,000 that the Tory Party got from the brewers in the last two years leading up to the election for this very socially desirable purpose of research into crime and drinking?

As my right hon. Friend has already indicated in reply to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Maryhill (Mr. William Hannan), we accept this relationship between excessive drinking and crime. Indeed, this is a matter which we are referring to the Clayson Committee. This is a very helpful way of approaching it.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Chairman of Distillers lives in my constituency. He markets splendid products, which I strongly recommend. If my hon. Friend were to approach him for some money for research, I am sure that he would not receive a dusty answer.

I am interested in what my hon. Friend says. What we have to remember is that the question of the misuse of alcohol is primarily the responsibility of the individual. What is important is to make sure that public attitudes towards this matter are right.

Is it not time that a forensic laboratory was set up in Scotland to investigate the causes of crime generally?

The Question relates to drinking, and we are financing research on that. Indeed, we have not so far refused any application for grants for criminological research projects into this field.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the age groups, for males and females, at which there is the greatest incidence of alcoholism; what is the number of deaths as a result in those age groups; and what relationship that number bears to the five most lethal diseases.

Statistics on the incidence of alcoholism in Scotland are not available. The rate of admission to hospital with a diagnosis of alcoholism is highest in the 35–44 and 45–54 age groups for both men and women. Deaths in Scotland from alcoholism and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver are very much fewer than from any of the five most common causes of death; I shall publish details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that answer. Would he agree that inadequate research facilities are available to find out the incidence of alcoholic disease in Scotland? For example, is he aware that medical opinion is fast reaching the conclusion that death from alcoholic disease is rapidly reaching the top of the table in the incidence of killer diseases?

The hon. Gentleman's view is not supported by the statistics which have been published so far, but I agree that there is a problem because alcoholics are to be found in all walks

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of male patients in mental hospitals are there because of alcoholism; and how this figure has varied in the last 20 years.

Information is not available in this form. Of the total male admissions to mental hospitals and psychiatric units, about 20 per cent. in

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that, in view of the scandalously high figures that he has given, there is something very immoral in the Tory Party accepting enormous sums of money from the brewers who put these people into mental institutions? Will he make representations to his hon. Friend sitting near him that in no circumstances will the Tory Party soil its hands wth this filthy lucre?

The hon. Gentleman knows that I have always been a strong temperance man. But I believe that if we were to approach the problem with the jaundiced view which he has expressed we would not get results. The Government are doing things in the right way. The Scottish Health Education Unit has been conducting a campaign aimed at educating the public. This, and not abuse and misrepresentation, will bring results.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to promote the formation of housing aid centres; and if he will make a statement.

At my right hon. Friend's request, the Scottish Council of Social Service is examining the need for such centres and their relationship to the existing services provided by their Citizens Advice Bureaux and by local authorities. We are also in touch with other organisations which are active in work of this kind.

As many of the services are those normally supplied by solicitors, surveyors and bank managers, has my hon. Friend taken advice from the professional bodies representing such people?

I have had informal discussions with solicitors as well as with the other bodies which I have mentioned, but my general objective is to find the most effective means of getting better access for the public to advice and help on how they can best fulfil their housing needs.

Related to that question, would the Minister examine and restore the 4,000 cut in S.S.H.A. building programme, which would certainly be a more practical step in its application than some other ideas?

It would certainly have been so if there had been any such cut. But there has been no such cut, and I am glad to be able to say that to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial or other support he is giving to the Scotland West Industrial Promotion Group; and if he will make a statement on its progress so far.

I warmly welcome the setting up of Scotland West and I wish it well. As I explained to the hon. Gentleman on 13th January, I think it right that the finance and other resources for regional efforts—of which Scotland West is one—should come from the regions concerned.—[Vol. 809, c. 58.]

Undoubtedly that is a sailor's farewell. Does this mean that every regional promotion group in Scotland is to receive no money whatsoever from the Government directly? Is it a case that the total promotion of Scotland abroad will be £20,000, less than a penny a head? Is not this utterly deplorable in an area of Scotland which has had a series of closures—for instance, Plessey and many others—and now faces this deplorable decision not to allow Chevron to develop at Hunterston?

The hon. Gentleman clearly has not understood what has been arranged with the Scottish Council. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Development has been seeing regional and other promotional agencies to seek support, including financial support, for a campaign to promote Scotland as a whole. The initial response has been excellent. The Government have agreed to provide £20,000 a year as a contribution to the new national organisation, and that is double the amount that the previous Government were providing, which in any case was due to come to an end.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what hospitals he has visited officially in Scotland since 1st January, 1971.

I have visited one hospital in an official capacity. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Education has made two official visits in the period.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, but if he is unable to visit Dunfermline in the near future, would he ask the Under-Secretary responsible for the health services to come to Dunfermline and to see how badly we are in need of a new general hospital?

I am sure that my hon. Friend will consider that. I will make inquiries, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will write to me about any particular points he wishes to raise.

Would the Secretary of State also consider an invitation for himself or his Under-Secretary to visit Peel Hospital on the Border? Is he aware that there are growing protests in Scotland as hospital standards rise elsewhere—and rightly so—that a wartime wooden-hutted hospital is no longer adequate to serve the needs of the populations of the four Border Counties? If he or his colleagues could see it for themselves, they would receive a warm welcome.

I will also consider that matter. I am aware of the conditions which have been described. I hope that the House will have noted the announcement I made last Friday about the reorganisation of the whole hospital service in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many official representations he has received from education authorities about their capital allocation for the raising of the school leaving age; and what replies he has sent.

Since my right hon. Friend increased the allocations of a number of education authorities for school building generally last December, representations involving accommodation for the raising of the school leaving age have been received in three cases. Discussions with the authorities concerned were arranged.

Is the Minister aware of the voices in Scotland now urging him to leave out certain areas from the initial introduction of the raising of the school leaving age? Will he take this opportunity to state definitely that the school leaving age will be raised, on the Government's target, all over Scotland on the same day?

That is a different Question from that which the hon. Gentleman asked about building. There is on the Order Paper a separate Question on the school leaving age, which I shall be very glad to answer later today.

Important as school buildings are, would my hon. Friend agree that the provision of an adequate number of teachers is even more important? Has he had any recent consultations with local authorities, in West Scotland particularly, where an especially severe shortage of secondary teachers is expected in 1973? Is he prepared to take further steps, if necessary, to overcome that shortage?

As my hon. Friend rightly said, staffing is the main consideration. He will be aware, from the various announcements which have been made, that the position is showing some very encouraging improvement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now give a firm assurance that the school-leaving age will be raised to 16 years as from 1972–73.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he now proposes to raise the school-leaving age to 16 years.

Yes, Sir. I do not anticipate any significant difficulties in carrying this policy into effect except in certain areas in the West of Scotland. I believe that the special measures announced to assist the areas of difficulty, including the increase in the number of designated posts, should help to remove inequalities of distribution.

That statement will be welcomed by all of us on this side of the House, and I think by some hon. Members opposite. Would it not be intolerable if the school-leaving age went up to 16 in England and Wales and not in Scotland? Though I understand the problems of the teachers, surely with the provision of the necessary extra accommodation and an increase in the number of graduates, the likelihood of success on this occasion is much greater than in 1947?

The hon. Gentleman is correct in emphasising the importance of adequate teacher supply. All the recent indications have been very encouraging. It would be misleading not to say that we have a problem in the West of Scotland, one which we hope the measures announced so far will help to overcome before the date of raising the school-leaving age.

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that the problems which faced the Labour Government 25 years ago were mountainous compared with the problems that face him today, yet that Government went ahead despite the difficulties and successfully raised the age to 15? Are he and his Government to hesitate now, on the eve of our entry into the Common Market? Will he ensure that there is not even a little part of Scotland where he is afraid to use all the influence and power of the Government, so that the age is successfully raised all over Scotland at the date of the change, which I assume he will announce to us?

I have not yet been authorised by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to answer Questions on the Common Market, so I will not deal with that point. The hon. Gentleman's important point was to relate what is to happen now to the situation when the school-leaving age was raised to 15. He will be aware that there were many serious practical problems then. It is certainly our intention to take all possible steps to make sure that raising the school-leaving age does not have the effect of reducing general education standards in any part of Scotland in any way.

Did not the last Labour Government postpone raising the school-leaving age? Can my hon. Friend say how applications from graduates to enter the colleges of education are coming along?

It is true that the raising of the school-leaving age was postponed by the previous Government for economic and other reasons. The number of teachers in the schools last January was over 1,000 up on the 1970 figure. The figures of graduates entering the colleges of education are also extremely encouraging. I hope to have some figures to give the House within a month or so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will introduce an educational winter works programme in order that old school toilets in Lanarkshire can be replaced; and whether he will make a statement.

As regards a winter works programme, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Sillars) on 5th May. Lanarkshire Education Authority is making progress with the replacement of school toilets under the normal school building programme.—[Vol. 816, c. 1359–62.]

Is the Under-Secretary aware that what is required is not the usual, normal routine works programme, but a programme of a massive character? Does he realise that primary school toilets, such as those at Rochsolloch primary school, built in 1902, still cannot be replaced because of lack of money? Would he please do something about it.

It would be wrong to give an answer on each individual school, but Lanarkshire is at present engaged on a programme of school toilet replacement amounting to £200,000. As for the future, the hon. Gentleman will be aware of the extra £4½ million of capital investment which the Government are making available for starts in 1972–73 which should enable authorities to make faster progress than at present.

The hon. Gentleman will realise that we do not expect him to make a statement on every individual toilet, but in view of the derisory nature of last winter's work programme; the alarming unemployment figures, particularly among construction workers; the problem we shall face with the raising of the school leaving age next year; and the fact that we are likely to have the bleakest summer in employment for years, would he not consider altering the terms so as to give us a summer works programme to deal with the situation?

The hon. Gentleman should be aware that we inherited a school building programme, and we have increased that programme by the special measures announced for primary schools. We shall shortly announce our 1973 allocations. The hon. Gentleman should await that announcement. In the few months we have been in office, we have a record to be proud of, since we have increased the programme which was announced.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Trades Union Congress regarding the proposal that Portobello power station be converted from coal to oil firing.

I met representatives of the Scottish Trades Union Congress recently. They urged the Government not to allow conversion of the power station from coal to oil firing because this would have adverse effects on mining employment and morale.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the repeated statements by his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regarding concern for the number of unemployed in Scotland will be hollow indeed if he decides to put over another 1,000 families on dole next winter on the basis of the flimsy case which has been advocated for this oil conversion?

As the hon. Gentleman knows from the Adjournment debate which took place last week, we have been at great pains to take views from all bodies concerned on the question whether this power station should be converted. I assure him that we are taking all these facts carefully into consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the House will receive with some satisfaction the fact that he has firmly stated that his mind is not made up? However, is he further aware that this week the Scottish area of the National Union of Mineworkers voiced the great concern felt by miners, and that the situation could create a crisis of confidence in the mining industry? Will he act immediately in the interests of giving some confidence and heart to the mining industry by doing away with this proposition to convert to oil?

I can again confirm that no decision has been taken in this matter, and I was left in no doubt by the representatives of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the National Union of Mineworkers when I saw them that they felt that it is not in their interest this should be done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has refused to meet a delegation from the Development Council for Lanarkshire.

As was explained in the reply to the Council, a meeting would not be appropriate at this stage because there is nothing more I could say at present on the matters raised.

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Development Council for Lanarkshire consists of representatives from all the local authorities and Members of Parliament in the county and that the rate of unemployment in the North Lanarkshire area alone increased last month to 7·5 per cent., making it the second highest unemployment area in Scotland? Is he aware that his attitude to this responsible body makes it feel that the Government are not concerned to solve the problems faced by our country.

The hon. Gentleman only three weeks ago, in somewhat intemperate terms, was demanding that I should see a deputation from Caldercruix, but the terms were somewhat misplaced because, in confirmation of what I said to the House, I saw a deputation. I was acutely aware of the particular misfortune which has struck that relatively small community. However, when I am not in a position to say any more at a certain stage, it does not help busy people, Members of Parliament or local authorities to have a meeting of the kind suggested.

Is the Secretary of State aware that, since the inception of this Development Council in 1961, this is the first time that a Government Minister has refused to meet a deputation—and at a time when the unemployment situation in the area is chronic, and indeed is escalating? Will he not reconsider his decision not to meet the Lanarkshire Development Council?

What I have said is that it is not an appropriate moment to have that meeting now. It would inevitably mean two meetings. I have had correspondence with the Council, I have taken into account the views which they have expressed, and I am very much aware of them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities have made representations to him in respect of the fishing industry with regard to Great Britain's application to join the European Economic Community; what replies he has sent; and if he will make a statement.

To date, representations on this subject have been received from some 20 Scottish local authorities. The replies repeated the assurances that have already been given in this House.

Would my hon. Friend say how many local authorities were enthusiastic about the reply; and, secondly, would he say when the Government will clearly say that the minimum terms for the British inshore fishing industry embrace the retention of the 12, six and three-mile limits?

We have had letters of thanks from those to whom we have written. At the same time, I must remind my hon. Friend that this is a delicate matter, and I repeat the assurance that we shall be negotiating it with the Six.

Would the Under-Secretary confirm the very important statement made by the Foreign Secretary at the Scottish Conservative Conference in Aberdeen that the Government will not take Britain into the E.E.C. without first obtaining some modification of the common fisheries policy?

I am very glad that the hon. Gentleman reads what my right hon. Friend says—and what my right hon. Friend says he means.

Does the hon. Gentleman share the optimism expressed by the Prime Minister on Monday, that in the forthcoming negotiations in Luxembourg this matter will be settled; and does he expect that it will be settled to the advantage of Scotland and the United Kingdon before the Summer Recess?

I am afraid that I do not approach this matter in quite the same cavalier way as that in which the hon. Gentleman approaches it. The matter is far too important and far too vital for Scotland for that. I believe that anybody with experience of international negotiations would realise that it would be imprudent at this stage to reveal our hand.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the present arrangements for co-ordinating regional planning in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir, though I am always looking for improvements. The Scottish Economic Planning Board co-ordinates the work of Government Departments and my officials maintain constant liaison with local planning authorities and their joint advisory committees.

How have the sub-regional economic planning groups reacted to the visits proposed by the right hon. Gentleman's Department and others to Germany to attract West German industrialists to Scotland? Have the local groups been consulted on whether they want direct investment or indirect investment by German manufacturers in Scotland, and why cannot Scottish industrialists take up favourable investment opportunities?

I cannot speak for all the bodies concerned without notice. But I have had no impression of any opposition to investment from abroad, particularly from Germany, where the Government have asked industry to expand abroad.

Since the right hon. Gentleman has written to the chairman of the West Central Scotland Plan Steering Committee, do I take it, in the light of co-ordinating regional activities and his decision on Chevron, that the German industrialists are to be brought over to Hunterston to view the vacant land that the right hon. Gentleman has declined to zone for an oil refinery?

The decision which I have taken is exactly similar to that taken by the right hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross) a year and a half ago on a proposal by Murco for an oil refinery nearby. For similar reasons, I have accepted the recommendation made very strongly by the reporter. I raised, probably before any other hon. Member, the importance of the deep-water facilities at Hunterston for the steel industry in Scotland, nearly two years ago. I initiated a debate on the subject in Supply time long before other hon. Members were saying anything about it; and I am particularly concerned about the importance of the area for the steel industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further representations he has had about the proposed increases in National Health Service charges.

My right hon. Friend has received seven representations aaginst cost-related prescription charges in addition to those from bodies representative of the medical, dental and pharmaceutical professions.

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that objections to his proposal have been based on clinical grounds, which is a very nice way of covering up the real meaning of his proposals, which would be extremely damaging to the health of the people in Scotland? In view of the representations he has received, will he undertake to withdraw this grotesque and unacceptable policy?

The hon. Gentleman is right in that a variety of objections have been made for a variety of reasons. We shall give very careful consideration to the views of the professions. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services and I met the representatives of the doctors and the dentists last week to discuss their objections to cost-related prescription charges. We shall be meeting representatives of the pharmacists next month.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made to date by his Department's house improvement publicity campaign; and if he will make a statement.

The campaign, which was begun on 3rd May, has elicited a most encouraging initial response from members of the public, local authorities and others. Press and television advertising, local exhibitions, and other activities will continue throughout the summer.

Can my hon. Friend quantify his answer in any way? I realise the difficulty of doing so at this stage, but can he give any estimate of the number of houses in Scotland which could be improved in that way? Is his feeling that the early results of the campaign are extremely promising?

The early results are very encouraging. In the few weeks that the campaign has been going on we have already had 2,000 inquiries from members of the public, and 31 local authorities have said that they are willing to hold local improvement exhibitions. All the indications are that this is a most encouraging start towards what I hope will be a major break-through in providing more homes for people in Scotland.

How many mobile exhibition units are there as part of the campaign?

We have some flexibility, in that there can be more than one at one time if they are relatively small, or they can be amalgamated to make a bigger exhibition display if necessary. If the hon. Gentleman has particular inquiries from his local authority, I shall be very glad to receive them.

Are the houses mainly for owner-occupation or for rent?

They cover all types of housing. The basic requirement is that the house concerned should be improved to modern standards and then be able to provide a home for a family which would not otherwise have been provided.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received following the recent Budget concerning the net benefit to Scotland of the regional employment premium and the selective employment tax.

None, Sir.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the halving of S.E.T. is very good news for Scotland? Could R.E.P., which has been quite popular in some quarters, in any case continue after 1974 under the regional policy of the E.E.C.?

I am well aware of the great welcome in Scotland for the halving of S.E.T. in July. [Interruption.] There is no need for writing on that, or for the welcome of the total abolition within two years. I could not answer the question about R.E.P. and the E.E.C. regulations without notice, but I want to make it clear that we are committed to continuing it until September, 1974.

Will the Scottish Development Department do a study of the effect of continuing the regional employment premium on the investment plans of multi-national companies?

I will consider that but I am not sure what its relevance will be.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman realises that, despite the apparent marginal effect of the halving of selective employment tax, it by no means compensates for the ending of the regional employment premium. This is especially serious in view of the destruction by the Government of the other incentives which should be going to Scotland. Has he made any estimate of the loss to Scotland incurred by the simultaneous phasing out of the regional employment premium and the introduction of the value-added tax?

I do not know about the marginal effect in one respect, but I know of another—that the constituency of the hon. Member for Renfrew, West (Mr. Buchan) is likely to become more marginal as a result of the abolition of selective employment tax. The package of incentives introduced by the Government is more flexible and more related to the creation of new jobs. A larger amount of incentives is flowing to the special development area in West Central Scotland than ever before.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations have been made to him about the problems of Scottish horticulturists arising from unfair competition from subsidised fuel prices enjoyed by the Dutch growers.

I understand that the fuel subsidies to Dutch growers have ceased.

Will my hon. Friend be kind enough to look at that statement again, because I do not think that it is entirely accurate? In view of the conversion to natural gas, the Dutch growers are getting subsidies and benefits of various kinds from their Government. Would not he agree that it is absurd that the Dutch growers should be able to sell tomatoes in Glasgow cheaper than the Scottish horticultural industry can sell them? Will he look at this matter again with greater sympathy?

The information I gave is of very recent date and I think that my hon. Friend will find it accurate. I assure him that if growers have evidence that foreign produce is being dumped on the United Kingdom market, they can be assured of a rapid hearing from the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the rise in drug taking and drug thefts in Edinburgh, he will call for reports from the police authorities about the work and strength of drug squads; and if he will make a statement.

It is for chief constables to determine how best to deploy their manpower but I know that they are devoting increasing resources to problems arising from the misuse of drugs.

Does my hon. Friend realise that the number of these offences in Edinburgh has doubled in the past year and that there is great concern in the city? Is he convinced that there are enough police resources, in manpower, equipment, intelligence work and everything else, to get rid of this appalling problem.

I share my hon. Friend's concern and I know that it is also shared by the Edinburgh police. I want to pay tribute to the work of the force and of its drug squad. So far as the force's establishment is concerned, we are prepared to give all the help we can in order to assist it to meet this very difficult problem.

Does the hon. Gentleman accept the need to enlist to co-operation of the parents in any effective campaign against teenage drug taking? Will he consider a campaign to educate parents, in view of the education gap, in order to give them some knowledge of the danger of drug taking and also in the detection of what I understand to be the characteristic odour of cannabis?

I agree that the matter must be tackled on a wider front than police work alone. In many local authority areas, liaison committees have already been set up whereby educational and social workers come together with local medical officers and police officers. This wider approach is much the most effective one that we can follow.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will grant exemption from paying admission charges to museums for students, all pensioners and persons below 16 years of age.

The proposals contained in the White Paper "Future Policy for Museums and Galleries", which are still to be discussed with the Trustees of the National Institutions, include provision for exemptions for organised educational parties, library readers, and scholars and students on prearranged visits. No other exemptions for particular categories of visitor are proposed.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he aware, however, that the money to be raised by these charges is so low in total that it is not worth imposing the charges in the first place? Is he further aware of the detrimental effect the charges could have on students in their research projects? Is he further aware of the loss of culture which could otherwise have been obtained by the under-16 age group? Is he further aware of the loss of interest and recreational facilities to the pensioners in Scotland and elsewhere in Britain as a result of the charges? Will he reconsider the whole project and not introduce charges at all?

The estimated income is not insignificant. It is, for Great Britain as a whole, £1,300,000, less 10 per cent. for administrative costs. The White Paper points out that for scholars and students prearranged visits should be allowable for exemption.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this attack on the old and the young is one of the meanest of all the mean measures produced by this meanest of all Governments? Is it not characteristic of the Government that they equate the arts with cash and call the man in charge of the arts the "Paymaster-General"?

As usual, the hon. Gentleman is being quite ridiculous. The Government have a record of concern for the elderly of which we can be proud. When did the hon. Gentleman's Government raise pensions by £1 a week?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with the statutory water boards in Scotland about the forthcoming reform of local government as outlined in Command Paper No. 4583.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from statutory water boards in Scotland about the proposals for the reform of local government as stated in Command Paper No. 4583; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has asked the Scottish Water Advisory Committee to consider future arrangements for administering the water service, in the light of our White Paper. I understand that all water boards have been invited to submit evidence to the Committee, and the Fife and Kinross Water Board have sent my right hon. Friend a copy of their written evidence.

Since we have heard today that the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Education has been gagged by the Prime Minister on matters concerning the Common Market, are we to take it that the Secretary of State is gagging the Water Advisory Committee by the narrow and restrictive remit he has given it? Is it not fair that the Committee should be entitled to make comments going wider than that remit? Since water is in public ownership in Scotland, should not the Committee be allowed to consider whether water should be nationally and not regionally organised?

No one in this Government has been gagged by anyone. That may be how things are operated in Labour Governments, but it is not the way things are done in this Government.

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Water Advisory Committee has been asked to consider the future organisation of water services in the light of the reform of local government. It is open to the Committee to produce any recommendations it thinks fit, but I gather that all concerned have accepted the general proposition that the future organisation of water supplies should relate to the new functioning of regional government.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for allocating more funds to provide more technical college building in Scotland.

In my view the present education authority building programme is adequate to meet the demand for student places as expressed in proposals submitted by authorities.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the new Lauder Technical College in West Fife is not yet complete? Would he agree that to leave this college unfinished is not good for staff or students, who have to work in old buildings in other parts of my constituency? Can he not do something to speed up the next phase?

I understand that the authority hopes to be ready to start this phase late in 1972 or early 1973. If the planning of the project proceeds accordingly, it will be considered for inclusion in the programme of starts for the year 1972–73.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received from industrial organisations in Scotland about the effect of Government policies on the level of unemployment; and what replies he has sent.

During the past six months I have received representations from a number of industrial organisations referring to the general unemployment situation or the situations in particular areas.

Where appropriate, my replies have referred to the Government's regional policy measures and to the measures proposed in the Budget to improve economic growth.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the largest industrial organisations in Scotland, thanks to his policy, is the army of unemployed? Is he further aware that the unemployed yesterday regarded his disgraceful decision in turning down the Chevron development project as a meaningful gesture of his disregard of their needs? Is he also aware that the unemployed people in Scotland are fed up with his platitudes and want to know when he will pull his finger out and give us some decisive action?

At the time that the Secretary of State in the last Labour Government was rejecting the Murco application, a year and a half ago, I was pressing him to take action which would have avoided the unemployment that we have today. As for the number of jobs, the oil refinery would have produced 300 jobs but against that would have to be offset jobs in agriculture and damage to the local tourist industry.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those who are interested in the long-term welfare of Scotland are delighted that he has decided to keep clear of oil pollution in the important recreational area of Hunterston and that they deprecate most strongly the heartless use of the numbers of unemployed for purely party political reasons when it is the Labour Party which is responsible for that unemployment?

I am sure my hon. Friend is aware that even some hon. Members opposite have been coming to the same conclusion as I, that the steel industry is perhaps the most important consideration in this area. The jobs involved there could be over 12,000. Moreover, it has been said, and found, that a combination of a refinery and a steel works can produce some of the worst atmospheric pollution, and therefore a refinery might be prejudicial to the steel development.

Would the right hon. Gentleman concede that the arguments he is using, relating to Murco and Chevron, are not valid? In terms of future industrial development in Scotland, would he give us a clear idea of the type of developments he will foster or assist in fostering at Hunterston? Is he aware that unless we get west central Scotland sorted out, the Scottish economy overall might be in jeopardy?

The hon. Member seems to be unaware of the most important decisions taken by me as soon as possible after coming into office in planning questions on Hunterston, when I authorised, for planning purposes, an ore terminal and a deep-water port, paving the way for a steel works.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of Lanarkshire concerning the employment of a member of his force, on 24th April, at Coatbridge High School, for the purpose of forcibly ejecting persons from a political meeting addressed by the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton, Southwest (Mr. Powell); and if he will make a statement.

The chief constable has informed me that his officers were present at the meeting but that they did not forcibly eject any person.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the incident, involving uniformed men as well as plain clothes men, arose from the fact that one of the two gentlemen had in his lapel a badge with a slogan saying, "Kill the Bill", and that the hon. Gentleman's local Tory friends said that they wanted no anti-Government propaganda at that meeting? Is this not a denial of free speech, and since these chaps were unceremoniously turfed out, will he ask his local Tory association to give them an apology?

I have looked closely into this and found out that the officers made it quite clear that it was no part of the duty of the police to remove persons from the hall but that the responsibility for such action must reside with the stewards. They made this position clear to everyone involved.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will commission a report on the present ownership of land in Scotland.

No Sir.

Why not?

Because such an undertaking would not be justifiable.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his friends, the Scottish lairds, have waxed fat on the land of Scotland for generations and that by his refusal to institute an inquiry into land ownership he is keeping the facts from the people of Scotland? In the interests of honest government, will he institute a survey of land ownership in Scotland?

The hon. Gentleman should bear two points in mind. The first is that one of the largest lairds in Scotland is the State. The second is that the answer I have given is the same as that given by his right hon. Friend the Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross) a short time ago.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is now the estimated starting date for work on the M80 motorway.

I cannot at present add to the reply I gave to the hon. Gentleman on 7th April.—[Vol. 815. c. 422.]