§ 7. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a detailed statement on the various investigations under the auspices of his Department into the natural national resources of Scotland concerned with land, water, minerals, forestry and the present distribution of population and its age structure, indicating the results achieved to date.
§ Mr. GalbraithThe detailed surveys carried out by local planning authorities provide a general conspectus of physical resources and population trends. They are supplemented, as required, by specialist investigations by the Government Departments and other agencies. In particular, the Scottish Council has just announced a wide inquiry into Scotland's natural resources, in which it has been assured of the co-operation of the Government Departments concerned.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister realise that these investigations should 1222 be carried out at the very highest Governmental level? What evidence has he that that is being done?
§ Mr. GalbraithIf tomorrow the hon. and learned Gentleman reads in the OFFICIAL REPORT the Answer which I have just given him, he will appreciate that that in fact is being done.