HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc715-6
4. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now announce the views of the Government upon the recent Highlands report of the Scottish Development Council; and what action it is proposed to take in the matter?

3. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the report of the Highland and Islands Committee, particularly with reference to the appointment of a development commissioner; and what steps he proposes to take to carry out this recommendation?

Mr. Colville

The report of the committee referred to was published at the end of November last. It covers all aspects of the economic life of the Highlands and Islands and its recommendations are stated to relate to a long range policy of 15 to 20 years. I have the various proposals under active consideration and am already in consultation with the local authorities and other bodies concerned. It is my intention to press on with the consideration of the report as quickly as possible but hon. Members will appreciate that having regard to the range and complexity of the subjects dealt with it will not be possible to announce decisions for some time yet.

Mr. Stewart

Will my right hon. Friend consider giving his first consideration to the acute distress in the fishing and agricultural industries in the Highlands?

Mr. Colville

I do not think that I can promise to give priority to one particular subject. A great many important subjects are dealt with in the report, and they are all engaging my attention at the present time.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this House unanimously accepted a Resolution de- manding that the Government deal urgently with distress in the Islands and Highlands, and that the Government have taken two years to get a report; and have we to wait for 20 years before action is taken?

Mr. Colville

If the hon. Member has read the report, as no doubt he has, very carefully, he will see the very great complexity of the subject and the difficulty of suggesting concrete proposals.

Mr. T. Johnston

Inasmuch as the right hon. Gentleman is in consultation with the local authorities in this matter, may we take it that he will give no countenance to any proposals for a commissar to take over the business of local authorities as recommended in this report?

Mr. Colville

I do not think that the right hon. Gentleman will expect me to answer that question until I have had time to consider all its implications.