Planning and Development

HC Deb 27 November 1945 vol 416 cc1069-70

68. Mr. McAllister

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to co-ordinate the development of hydro-electricity, industry, agriculture, housing, the tourist industry and the creation of new towns in the Highlands of Scotland; and if it is his intention to establish a North of Scotland planning committee to discharge this function.

Mr. Buchanan

It is the duty of my right hon. Friend in the exercise of his various statutory responsibilities in planning and other fields to secure the coordination of all forms of development; and this responsibility could not—as suggested in the second part of the Question—be delegated to a committee. My right hon. Friend is in continuous touch with the Scottish Council on Industry and arrangements exist for full consultation between him and the other Ministers concerned.

Mr. McAllister

Does not the Under-Secretary agree that the recent Debate on the North of Scotland Hydro-Electricity Bill showed the greatest discontent on all sides of the House with regard to the future of the Highlands of Scotland, and that the absence of any co-ordinated plan for the Highlands is jeopardising the whole future of the people?

Mr. Buchanan

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State thinks that he has now full control over the necessary planning and that the mere setting up of another Committee would not improve it or make the position any better.

Mr. McAllister

Does not the Under-Secretary think that that is rather a reflection on the two Regional Committees already appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland to suggest that such a committee is a mere committee?

Mr. Buchanan

I do not reflect in the slightest on them. All I am anxious to say is that we already have two Committees, and the setting up of a third is not going to help the position. I think those two Committees are capable of doing their work, and that with the co-ordination of the Secretary of State no further Committee is required.

Mr. McAllister

I wish to give formal notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.