HC Deb 06 March 1968 vol 760 cc430-2
30. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the future rôle of the Highlands and Islands Development Board in improving the productivity of agriculture in the Highlands and Islands.

Mr. Ross

In its first report the Board stated its intention, as its overall policy on land use develops, to support measures to strengthen and develop Highland agriculture, and to consider means of filling any gaps in the arrangements for such development. I accept this general statement of the Board's rôle.

Mr. Maclennan

Is my right hon. friend aware that there has been talk emanating from the Board in recent months of a statement in the nature of a White Paper outlining the Board's priorities? That would be very welcome in the Highlands where it is not clear whether the Board is giving sufficient attention to the problem of land settlement and land reclamation.

Mr. Ross

I understand that the Board has prepared a statement about its priorities, but the timing of its publication is a matter for the Board. However, I do not think that we should overlook the fact that the Board has taken an interest and been helpful in respect of certain specific projects. I am thinking, for instance, of the scheme for the marketing of weaned calves from the Uists. It is considering proposals for comprehensive development, including agriculture, in Mull and the Strath of Kildonan.

Mr. Russell Johnston

Would the right hon. Gentleman say to the Highlands and Islands Development Board that it should make agricultural reclamation one of its main priorities?

Mr. Ross

I do not think that I should say any such thing to the Board. It is in a position to judge exactly the right thing to do, bearing in mind the help already given, the responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland and the work which is being done and must be done by the Crofters Commission. The Board does not require prompting from me.

Mr. Stodart

Would the right hon. Gentleman request the Board to exercise vigilance when it comes to taking good agricultural land for industrial development and point out that it should not do this if other land which is not so good is reasonably available?

Mr. Ross

I think that the hon. Gentleman has a particular scheme in mind. He will probably find that the Board gave evidence in that inquiry.

31. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received from the Highlands and Islands Development Board since its inception regarding the exploitation of the mineral resources of the Highlands and Islands.

Mr. Ross

I have no formal proposals from the Board for the exploitation of mineral resources in its area.

Mr. Maclennan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is probably one of the largest single untapped resources in the Highlands and that if we are to have massive industrial development of the North, particularly of the north-west corner of Sutherland, the exploitation of the mineral resources of potassium and magnesium in that area should be undertaken as quickly as possible?

Mr. Ross

We must watch the position carefully. We do not undertake things as quickly as possible before discovering whether they are worth while. But the Board is aware of the importance of mineral resources and is anxious to promote development. As soon as it was set up, it sought the advice of an independent expert. It followed that up with discussions with the Chief Geologist of the Atomic Energy Division of the Institute of Geological Studies. It is now instituting geochemical surveys in selected areas. No doubt the area which my hon. Friend mentioned will be one of them.