HC Deb 10 April 1968 vol 762 cc1366-7
37. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations have been made to him concerning the use of convicted criminals for public works in the Highlands; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Buchan

My right hon. Friend has received no recent representations on this subject.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the spokesman of the Scottish National Party recently suggested that difficult tenants and drivers convicted of drunken driving should be sent to the Highlands as a means of repopulating the Highlands? Can he say what reaction there has been from the Highlands to this proposal?

Mr. Buchan

I am not sure of the reaction in the Highlands, but I know what my reaction is, as someone who originated there. The methods which the present Government are adopting for redeveloping the Highlands are the correct methods.

Mrs. Ewing

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this statement was not by a spokesman of the Scottish National Party but the privately expressed opinion of one individual member of it? In any case, does his Department consider modern theories of criminology for example, those used in Sweden, where certain convicted prisoners are put to work instead of remaining a burden on the State?

Mr. Buchan

When two different points of view are put forward by members of the same party, it is sometimes difficult to know which is the party's point of view. This has been a great difficulty for us all in recent months. I take it that the hon. Lady is repudiating the statement which was made in this connection, but this is not a matter primarily for me. On the second point, we spend a good deal of time considering the progressive work which is done in other countries and there is none which I am not prepared to consider if it would be helpful.