§ 44. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, while certain communities in the Island of Lewis have found employment as a result of the recent increased demand for Harris tweed, yet thousands of people have lost their livelihood from the same industry in the Lochs district of Lewis, which is the seat of the industry; whether he can state the reasons for the disastrous plight of the lochs people; and what steps he proposes to take to assist them?
Mr. WedderburnI have no information which would appear to support the hon. Member's statement that thousands of people in the Lochs district of Lewis have lost their livelihood. I am, however, aware that the increase of the Harris tweed industry in recent years has brought with it substantial benefits to the island generally. If the hon. Member cares to send me his evidence of distress in the Lochs district, I will look further into the matter.