27. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is taking any steps, in conjunction with the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, to assist the agricultural development of the Highlands of Scotland?
§ Mr. ElliotA sub-committee of the Scottish Economic Committee, with the co-operation of the Departments concerned, is engaged in a detailed examination of economic conditions in the Highlands and Islands and of the possibilities of improving and developing them. With regard to the connection between national defence and agricultural production in the country generally, I would refer to the reply given on 9th March to my hon. Friend the member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.
Mr. DavidsonWith regard to the first part of the answer, can the right hon. Gentleman indicate when he will receive a report on the whole question?
§ Mr. ElliotI am afraid that I cannot.
28. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any recommendations or representations from the Scottish Development Council with regard to industry or new industries in Scotland; and, if so, what action has been taken?
§ Mr. ElliotI have received representations from the Economic Committee of the Scottish Development Council on the subject of industrial conditions in Scotland, with particular reference to the Special Areas, and I have had a number of meetings with their representatives. The discussions undertaken have been private and informal in character, and as the hon. Member will appreciate I am not in a position to make any statement in regard to them.
Mr. DavidsonCan I have the assurance of the right hon. Gentleman that he considers the Development Council as a useful body to undertake development in Scotland?
§ Mr. ElliotOh, Certainly.
§ Mr. A. V. AlexanderDo the Development Council support the project for a carbide factory in the Highlands?
§ Mr. ElliotThe Development Council indicated that it was very anxious to have that matter examined, and would certainly deprecate any turning down of it without examination.