HC Deb 09 March 1966 vol 725 cc2097-8
32. Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what particular projects have so far received financial assistance from the Highland Development Board or have been promised such assistance for development of all kinds.

Mr. Ross

It would not be right for me to give information about individual projects, but I can say that the Board has made offers of financial assistance totalling £64,000 for 14 projects within its area. Loans totalling £11,500 have so far been made in respect of two projects.

Mr. Baker

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an estimate of the total expenditure by the Board in its first year of operation? Is he aware that the Highland Development Board is extremely displeased with the Government's new incentive scheme for development of industry?

Mr. Ross

I think that it would be unwise for me to try to estimate the expenditure. It will depend on the number of projects which come forward and the number which the Board approves. It has to date received 106 applications. I think that most people are satisfied with the amount which it has been able to do in the four months of its existence. On statements which have been made about the feelings about the new incentive policy, I wish that people would quote this accurately and not attribute remarks to someone who did not make them. It was not the Chairman of the Board who made this statement: it was issued from the Board and the Board said that it would need more time to examine. The House should remember that—

Mr. Speaker

Order. There are still many Questions on the Order Paper.

Mr. Ross

If the Board is not satisfied with the present scheme, it can come back to me with a new one.