Mr Raymond Robertson: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 11 February.
Mr Raymond Robertson: Does my right hon. Friend agreed that it is the job of Government to attack cartels, cliques and vested interests—cartels in trade unions, cliques in Labour-controlled local authorities and vested interests that support the vast majority of Labour Members?
Mr Raymond Robertson: While ever mindful of the contribution made by coal to fulfilling Scotland's energy requirements, does my hon. Friend agree that the levels of investment and numbers of jobs involved in the North sea oil and gas industries must be fully taken into consideration when assessing Scotland's future energy requirements?
Mr Raymond Robertson: Does my right hon. Friend agree that to the people of Scotland it is a matter of grave concern indeed that, while the Labour party chunters on daily about a Scottish assembly sitting in Edinburgh, fewer than half the Scottish members of the parliamentary Labour party bothered to come up to Edinburgh for the meeting of the Scottish Grand Committee on Monday?
Mr Raymond Robertson: I intend to take a few minutes of the House's time to put the record straight on how rail privatisation will affect Aberdeen. I make no apologies for being so parochial. Given Aberdeen's geographical position, I am sure that the House will realise how vital our communications network is. On the last occasion that the House debated this subject, on 12 January, the hon. Member for Cunninghame,...
Mr Raymond Robertson: If the hon. Gentleman listens to me, he will understand exactly what Grampian Transport is trying to do. In addition to that feasibility study, it commissioned another study, to use the Oban guided bus system between Aberdeen airport and the city centre. That combines the flexibility of the bus system with rails to produce the maximum utility of the track. Those two projects have an...
Mr Raymond Robertson: So the hon. Gentleman is not willing to explain to the people of Aberdeen why he will deny them this. It is not just in Aberdeen that Grampian Transport has an interest. It is now preparing plans for Aberdeen's links with Elgin and with Inverness, with combined rail and bus services, through ticketing arrangements and one timetable. Passengers will be able to go from city centre to town...
Mr Raymond Robertson: rose—
Mr Raymond Robertson: Will the hon. Gentleman give way?
Mr Raymond Robertson: Has my right hon. Friend had time to read the Confederation of British Industry's latest poll, which shows the biggest increase in business confidence for five years? Does he agree that low inflation, low interest rates and a very competitive exchange rate give British producers a real edge in world markets?
Mr Raymond Robertson: Does my right hon. Friend agree that, vital though it is, it is not just with the immediate devastation that the Government must concern themselves? Will he give the House the commitment that long after the television crews have gone, he and his Department will still be working with the Shetland islanders and their leaders to ensure the return to the quality of life to which those people are...
Mr Raymond Robertson: When my right hon. Friend eventually brings his proposals on the future of local government to the House, will he consider allowing the people of our four great Scottish cities directly to elect their Lords Provost and to end the practice of the ruling political group choosing the first citizen?
Mr Raymond Robertson: Will the hon. Gentleman give way?
Mr Raymond Robertson: I remind the House that I gave way to the hon. Gentleman. I am not worried that Scotland will embarrass the Government. Unlike the hon. Gentleman, I want the world to see Scotland in the very best light—I want the best for Scotland. I am proud and chuffed that the European Community summit is to be held in our capital city. It is a chance for us to show off to the world rather than to bring...
Mr Raymond Robertson: During a similar debate this time last year my predecessor, a Labour Member of Parliament, concluded his speech with the following words: His actions"— meaning the Minister— have affected the election results. Before the 1983 election the Conservative party held five out of six seats in Grampian. The most recent by-election has resulted in the Conservative party holding no seats in the...
Mr Raymond Robertson: No, I shall not give way. I want the hon. Gentleman to use his ears, not his mouth, in this debate. The fishing industry is crucial to Aberdeen and to the north-east of Scotland. However, as I said in my maiden speech, Aberdeen's relationship with the fishing industry has changed. The balance has moved from the catchers to the processors. Now, after Humberside, Aberdeen has the highest...
Mr Raymond Robertson: The Government have come in for much criticism for their stated policy of limiting days at sea. As I said before, would the hon. Gentleman for once please use his ears, not his mouth?
Mr Raymond Robertson: The Government have come in for much criticism of their stated policy of limiting days at sea. However, the idea—despite its press—is not unique to the Government. The Scottish Fishermen's Organisation, Scotland's largest producer organisation, produced a much more draconian proposal earlier in the summer. It wanted to tie up all boats for one month each year for a while. Although the...
Mr Raymond Robertson: I do not regret my decision, and I shall explain why. As a Scot, I am proud that our capital city of Edinburgh has been privileged by the Prime Minister to hold the European Community summit. I do not think that Scotland's international reputation will be enhanced if every group that has a grievance—regardless of how deeply or widely held— uses the summit, the centrepiece of the...
Mr Raymond Robertson: Before I give way, the hon. Gentleman should remember—although it may be hard for him to accept—that it was someone far greater than him who was the last man to perform miracles with fish.