HC Deb 06 December 1949 vol 470 cc1690-1
22. Mr. M. MacPherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will re-appoint the members of the Highlands and Islands Advisory Panel for a further term on completion of their present term.

Mr. Woodburn

I have arranged to meet the panel on 16th December, and I should prefer not to make any statement in the meantime.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

May the House be informed what this body has done, before any suggestion is made as to its re-appointment?

Mr. Woodburn

From time to time the hon. Gentleman will see what this Government have done for the Highlands. It has been described by a Highland paper as greater than anything done by any Government in history. That result is partly due to advice from the Highland Panel.

Mr. Stewart

Would it not be fair for the right hon. Gentleman to tell the House in a White Paper or by some other means what precisely this body, which is no doubt important, has done?

Mr. Woodburn

It advises the Secretary of State, and he takes its advice where possible.