§ 44. Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the increased costs in transport, agriculture and distribution imposed by the Budget within the area covered by the Highland and Islands Development Board.
§ Mr. NobleDoes not the Secretary of State feel that a calculation of the increase in transport costs should be made, particularly in view of what has been happening recently in Inverness?
§ Mr. RossNo, I do not think that it would be possible to make any estimate of the kind the right hon. Gentleman suggests. It would be much better to take the whole matter in the round. He should bear in mind that in the Budget certain announcements about Selective Employment Tax in respect of hotels in rural areas were made, which should be put on the other side of the balance.
§ Mr. NobleBut does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Question had nothing whatever to do with S.E.T.? There are real problems, and he or the Highland Development Board must make this calculation if we are to succeed.
§ Mr. RossThe right hon. Gentleman can take it for granted that we shall watch the economy in the Highland areas. We have now, which we did not have before, an instrument to deal fairly 367 effectively with the economy of the Highlands.
§ Mr. MaclennanWill my right hon. Friend consider making available the figures for the kind of assistance that is available within the seven crofting counties through Board of Trade grants, and through the Highlands and Islands Development Board's schemes?
§ Mr. RossIf my hon. Friend would like to highlight that kind of aid, he should put down Questions to the various Ministers and the answers will be there in HANSARD.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonIf, as in the case of agriculture, the Government are not able to make these estimates of cost, is not there an argument for exempting the Highlands from the effects of the Transport Bill until the costs are estimated?