§ 39. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take, in view of the recommendations of the Cameron Committee, to alleviate the burden of transport costs in the Highlands.
§ Miss HerbisonThe recommendations of the Cameron Committee relating to transport costs are primarily matters for the British Transport Commission. I understand that the Commission have informed the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) that the recommendations will be considered in connection with the charges schemes now being drafted which will be submitted to the Transport Tribunal in due course.
§ Lord Malcolm Douglas-HamiltonIs the hon. Lady aware that the charges scheme will not be out till late this year and that in the meantime the burden is continuing? Is she further aware that the Cameron Committee recommended that there should be a deliberate policy of decreasing the charges? Will she ask her right hon. Friend to consult the Minister of Transport and to try to get a policy which will help the Highlands now?
§ Miss HerbisonAll the suggestions have been forwarded to the only body which can consider them at the present time, and we must await the decision made by that body.
§ Major McCallumCan the hon. Lady say whether the Cameron Committee's Report has been published, and if not, whether it will be published soon, because we get many inquiries in this matter, and the Committee's recommendations may go a long way to help organisations in the North of Scotland?
§ Miss HerbisonI will make inquiries.