§ 20. Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy in regard to the removal of villages in Scotland which his local planning officers may consider advisable; and whether the views of the residents in such villages will be taken into account before any action is taken or publicity given to his intentions.
Mr. McNeilThis is primarily a subject for the county councils concerned, and I should naturally be greatly influenced by their views, although, of course, I must also consider the views of any residents who might be affected by a proposal.
§ Sir T. MooreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable distress was caused to the people of Monkton in Ayrshire the other day by a premature report of its removal? Will he say something now to relieve that anxiety?
Mr. McNeilHappily, I am not at all concerned with such publications, premature or otherwise. I must repeat that this is a subject primarily for the county councils, but I think my views are quite well known—that I am not desirous of liquidating lively and distinct communities like villages.