HC Deb 09 March 1966 vol 725 c2099
42. Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his approval of the increased charges for MacBrayne's ships to the Islands was made after consultation with the Highland Development Board; and what effect he estimates these increases will have on the maintenance of population in the areas affected.

Mr. Ross

The Highlands and Islands Development Board was informed of the increases before they were announced. I do not expect that the increases will have any significant effect on the maintenance of population in the areas affected.

Mr. Noble

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the cost of freight in these islands is probably the greatest single factor making it difficult to expand industry, agriculture and forestry there? Would he not consult the Highlands Development Board to get their agreement, not just to give them information, before he makes increases of this sort?

Mr. Ross

The right hon. Gentleman will be the first to appreciate that the Secretary of State has statutory obligations in this respect which he can share with no one else. It is laid on me by statute. I shall certainly try to do a little better in our 13 years of continuous office than did right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite, who managed to have 12 increases in 13 years.