HC Deb 15 June 1948 vol 452 cc233-5
22. Mr. Niall Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Highland Panel is to submit its report.

Mr. Woodburn

The Advisory Panel on the Highlands and Islands was not set up as a reporting committee, but as a body which would keep in constant touch with the Departments concerned with administration in the Highlands and Islands and advise me from time to time on specific questions and on the carrying out of concerted plans.

Mr. Macpherson

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman is not going to make a report on the progress of the Panel, and are we not to have a report laid before the House?

Mr. Woodburn

The purpose of the Committee is to advise me on action to be taken. The action speaks for itself when it is taken.

23. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many committees or groups in addition or subsidiary to the Highland Panel have been set up by him to investigate different aspects of affairs in the Highlands; on what dates they were appointed; what matters they are investigating and when each of them is to conclude its inquiries.

Mr. Woodburn

The Panel is free to set up its own working machinery. At its second meeting on 14th February, 1947, it appointed four working groups to deal with the problems of agriculture and forestry, fisheries, textiles and transport. At its ninth meeting, on 5th March last, a fifth group was appointed to consider the problems of industries and planning in the Highlands. These groups report to the Panel at each of its meetings, and their recommendations, if agreed, are thereupon submitted to me.

Mr. Macpherson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the appointments to the Advisory Panel are made by himself, or whether the members are co-opted by the sub-committees? Would he assure the House that there is no undue and unnecessary overlapping?

Mr. Woodburn

The Panel sets up its own committees, and frames their composition. They can depend on my office for every possible assistance. I am satisfied that they will do the work efficiently, and that there will not be any unnecessary overlapping.

Sir William Darling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the work which he has outlined has been done by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry)?

Mr. Woodburn

The Scottish Council (Development and Industry) covers the whole of Scotland. The two work together, but the Panel is dealing specially with the Highlands and Islands, whose problems are entirely separate.

Commander Galbraith

Has any action Peen taken on the recommendations which have been received from this Panel?

Mr. Woodburn

Quite a number of things have been going on regularly. They have been able to stimulate developments in the Highlands, which are now in process of execution.

Mr. Scollan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the popular impression in Scotland is that the Panel is responsible for investigating all developments in the Highlands, and that many people are looking forward to a report from the Panel? If it is only an advisory body, I think its name might well be changed to "Advisory Committee." Will my right hon. Friend consider that?