§ 33. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the burden of increased freights falls most heavily on certain farmers in the Highlands; and what measures he is taking to compensate for this inequality.
§ Miss HerbisonI am aware of many complaints that freight charges have an adverse effect on various industries in the Highlands, including agriculture. This problem is being considered by a Joint Committee of the Scottish Council, the Highland Panel and the Scottish Board for Industry, with special reference to the draft charges scheme now being prepared by the British Transport Commission.
§ Lord Malcolm Douglas-HamiltonCan the hon. Gentleman say when the report of this Committee will be ready, and will she bear in mind, in the meantime, that the transport rates bear very heavily on the remote hill farmers at the present time?
§ Miss HerbisonAt this stage I cannot give any date when this report will be ready, but we hope it will be ready soon so that it can go before the British Transport Commission.