HC Deb 21 December 1966 vol 738 cc1401-2
23. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received from the Highlands and Islands Development Board for improving land use in the Highlands of Scotland; and if he has approved them.

Mr. Willis

My right hon. Friend has not as yet received any proposals on this subject.

Mr. Maclennan

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a most disappointing reply in view of the fact that the development of the land economy of the Highlands is central to any development of the Highlands, and that, for 50 years and more, all possible development of land has been hindered by absentee landlords?

Mr. Willis

Naturally, we realise the importance of the development of land, but it must be remembered that the Board has existed for only 14 months. Nevertheless, I understand that it has a number of developments under active consideration. It has already stated publicly that it is interested in land use and development, for instance in the Isle of Mull, the Strath of Kildonan and in Glencoe, and I have no doubt that other matters concerning land are under its consideration.

Mr. Buchan

Is my hon. Friend aware that the biggest single boost which he could give the Highlands would be to take land into public ownership? Until we break the rule of the Lairds north of the Highlands line we will make no satisfactory land use there.

Mr. Willis

That may well he so. The Board wants to get on with the job in hand, and it is getting on with it in the manner I have indicated.

Mr. Noble

Before accepting his hon. Friend's suggestion, would the hon. Gentleman carefully consider the land which he and his right hon. Friend own and see how well that is run?

Mr. Willis

Of course, the right hon. Gentleman is one of the last entitled to complain about the amount of land people own in Scotland. At least the land owned by my right hon. Friend is publicly owned.