§ 15. Mr. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if Upper Banffshire will lie within the jurisdiction of the proposed Highland Development Authority.
§ Mr. WillisI would refer the hon. Member to the relative provision in Clause 1(2) of the Highland Development (Scotland) Bill now before the House.
§ Mr. BakerIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that the previous Administration had designated Upper Banffshire in the study which they were undertaking with the rest of the Highlands? Is he further aware that the miserably small amount of money which the present Administration is allocating for Highland development over and above that which the pervious Administration allocated is not sufficient to cover any other areas designated, or which may be designated under Clause 2 of the Bill?
§ Mr. WillisIt is a pity that hon. Gentlemen opposite did not consider the question of money before October last and make the allocation at that time. With regard to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I am aware that for various purposes various areas adjoining the seven crofting counties have been included as part of the Highland area. I answered a Question about that previously. We have no intention of changing that, but for the purposes of the Highland Development Authority it is the seven crofting counties.