§ 12. Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent his Department is assisting, financially and otherwise, the development of local industry based on seaweed and alginic acid in the Western Isles.
§ Mr. J. StuartNo direct financial assistance is given by my Department for the development of the seaweed industry in the Western Isles, but the industry in general benefits from the work of the Institute of Seaweed Research which is wholly financed by the Government out of the Development Fund.
§ Mr. MacMillanWhile we appreciate the progress of the work of this Association, is the right hon. Gentleman aware it is felt that it is high time the Government interested themselves more directly in the development in the Islands of this industry which, according to Lord Bilsland—who is Permanent Secretary of State for Scotland nowadays—will be worth about £15 million a year when fully developed and that it would be a very considerable thing for Scotland?
§ Mr. StuartI agree with the hon. Member that there is great value in the industry, but it is still in the rather early stages.