HC Deb 08 November 1949 vol 469 cc1043-4
22. Sir Basil Neven-Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a meeting was held recently at Inverness between representatives of the Scottish Land and Property Federation, the branches and area branches of the National Farmers' Union and members of the Northern Pastoral Club to consider the serious curtailment of food and wool production which will result from the present and future operations of the Forestry Commission and the Hydro-Electric Board; and whether he will agree to receive a deputation from the former bodies which are prepared to submit evidence in support of their contention.

Mr. Woodburn

I have seen Press reports of the meeting referred to. The operations of the Forestry Commission and the Hydro-Electric Board are carried on with close regard to agricultural interests and I am satisfied that they will bring benefits to the Highlands out of all proportion to such losses of agricultural land as are involved. While I shall be glad to receive a deputation, or to consider written representations, about any individual projects that may be causing concern, it will be appreciated that in the case of hydro-electric development the Board's powers are defined in schemes approved by Parliament after the fullest opportunity for the making and consideration of objections.

23. Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the hydro-electric schemes which are to be postponed.

Mr. Woodburn

I am not at present in a position to add to the statement on this subject which I made on 1st November.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Is not the Minister aware that the statement he made on 1st November was simply that he was postponing certain schemes which had not yet been started, and can he not tell us what those schemes are?

Mr. Woodburn

I see no cause for alarm that we are postponing schemes which we have not yet started. No interference is being made in the schemes at present in operation, and postponement is one of the methods by which we are effecting a saving without really injuring the progress of the country.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Is the Minister aware that there is general doubt whether a scheme starts when the plans are approved, when the camps are made for the labourers or when the first sod is turned; and what schemes are affected?

Mr. Woodburn

My advice to those who are doing their work in these districts is to carry on doing their work until somebody interferes with them.