§ 6. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the present disparities between the southern industrial belt of Scotland and the northern areas of Scotland, what steps he is taking to increase population, industries, transport and housing facilities in the northern areas.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonIt would be difficult to specify in one Answer all the steps that are being taken to assist the North of Scotland. I would remind the hon. and learned Member of the assistance which is being given through D.A.T.A.C. and the Development Commission, and which will be given under the Local Employment Bill and the Highland Shipping Bill; of the greatly increased expenditure on roads; the remote area subsidy to local authority 1221 houses; and the other forms of assistance mentioned in the recent White Paper on Highland Policy, in the booklet "Highland Opportunities" and in other publications.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister realise that there is a grave contradiction between that Answer and the Government promises, and that industry in the North and North-East of Scotland has been penalised by the cutting down of railways services and in various other Ways? Will the hon. Gentleman see that these contradictions are resolved in the interests of the North of Scotland?
§ Mr. MacphersonThe hon. and learned Gentleman has previously asked a Question about railways to which an Answer was given on 8th December. There is no contradiction whatever of the Government's promises. Indeed, my Answer shows how they are being carried out.
Mr. HamiltonCan the Joint Under-Secretary say what proportion of the financial assistance being given to the Highlands is in the form of public enterprise and what proportion is in the form of private enterprise?
§ Mr. MacphersonNo, Sir; I should require notice of that Question.