HC Deb 05 July 1960 vol 626 cc205-6
15. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that a scientific expedition from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, jointly, has been organised to explore the depths of Loch Ness in the current month of July to seek a solution of the mystery of the monster of Loch Ness; what assistance his Department plans to give the expedition; and what steps he is taking to protect the wild life of Loch Ness and to record the scientific results of the expedition.

Mr. Maclay

I have seen reports about this expedition which do not suggest that danger to wild life should arise. I have no plans to give assistance although some information about eels has already been given to a member of the expedition. The recording of such scientific results as may emerge is a matter for the organisers of the expedition.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Secretary of State realise that, when he says he has no plans, that is an old story characteristic of his policy in Scotland? Does he realise that the matter referred to in the Question has passed beyond the realms of fantasy and that it is a job for him and the Minister of Science to investigate the potentialities of Scotland, which have been much neglected in the past?

Mr. Maclay

If I were asked for further assistance, I might look to see whether I could give it, but the whole question of monsters and other things must be left to the scientific examination which, undoubtedly, it is receiving.