HC Deb 21 December 1966 vol 738 cc1387-8
2. Mr. Alasdair Mackenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Highlands and Islands Development Board will publish an annual report; and when the first report will be published.

The Minister of State for Scotland (Mr. George Willis)

I hope that the Board's first report, covering the period from 1st November, 1965, to 31st December, 1966, will be published reasonably early in 1967, but I cannot as yet give a definite date.

Mr. Mackenzie

In view of the great interest in the work of the Board and its importance to the Highlands of Scotland, would the Minister be prepared to grant a debate on the first annual report in the Scottish Grand Committee?

Mr. Willis

That is not for me. That is really a matter for the Leader of the House.

Mr. Noble

Will the Minister of State ask the Board if it can include in its report not only the money which the Government have put into the Highlands, but what by increased taxation they have taken out?

Mr. Willis

That is not the Board's responsibility, of course. Its responsibility is for the exercise of its own powers in the Highlands.

Mr. Maclennan

Will the Minister be able to say whether or not a list of companies which have received financial assistance from the Board will be a part of the first report?

Mr. Willis

I cannot say whether it will or not, but I should have thought not. One does not usually publish lists of companies receiving financial assistance from the Government.