§ 27. Mr. James Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the west side of the Cairngorms is eligible for special assistance by the Highland Development Board whereas the east side of the same group of mountains is not; and if he will make a statement on the future development of this area.
§ Mr. RossThe Board's powers relate at present only to the seven crofting counties. But as the whole of the eastern Cairngorms is now part of the Scottish development area, projects there are eligible for assistance under the Local Employment Acts and other legislation.
§ Mr. DavidsonIs the Secretary of State aware of the tremendous potential for tourist development of the Beinna'Bhuird area, which is particularly important at the moment in view of the overcrowding of winter sports facilities in other areas of the Cairngorms? Does he not agree that it would be only right and proper that the eastern Cairngorms should be eligible for exactly the same sort of help for which the western side is eligible?
§ Mr. RossThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that for the first time the eastern Cairngorms, as a result of action that we have taken, is eligible for assistance under the Local Employment Acts, and entitled to the loans and grants in respect of what is done in that area.