§ 9. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet come to a decision on the Highland Economic Committee's Report; if not, when can that decision be expected; and, as the matter is urgent, whether he will see that no further time be lost in taking action?
§ 15. Mr. Neil Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the resolutions dealing with a programme of reconstruction for the High lands, passed by a conference recently held by the crofters' unions at Mallaig, among which was one for the setting up of a representative commission; and whether he is now in a position to give any information regarding the steps the Government will take to assist in carrying through that programme?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)I am not yet in a position to make a statement, but I hope to do so before the Recess.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWill the Secretary of State inform the House the reason for the delay on this very urgent matter? He agreed long ago that it was an urgent matter and that it would have his immediate attention.
§ Mr. ColvilleThe hon. Member knows that the Highland problem is exceedingly difficult to solve, and that we have to consult a number of local authorities.
§ Mr. MacleanIs it not the case that this has been a problem for many years, and is it not time that the Government took some action in the matter in order to prevent the depopulation of the High lands?
§ Mr. Henderson StewartDoes not the Secretary of State agree that there are a number of steps that might be taken immediately with general agreement in regard to the Highlands?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am looking at the problem in all its aspects, and I have in mind the particular question referred to by the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean).
§ Mr. GallacherIs there not complete agreement on the part of Scottish Members of all parties on this particular matter?
§ Mr. ColvilleThere may be agreement that something should be done, but there is not agreement as to what the steps should be.