From the archive: Scots industry, 19 June, 1948
If the council was necessary during the war, there was an even greater need for it now. The government had become still more pervasive in all their affairs. Nationalisation had created new problems. Of the government departments affecting trade and industry who had their headquarters in Whitehall it must be said that they often overlooked and failed to appreciate Scottish problems. It was essential for Scotland, which, although only 10 per cent of the population, had a greater interest than that in the heavy industries and in achieving a wider diversification of industry, that Scottish views should be authoritatively presented.