§ 10. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance is available to local authorities to establish fully serviced caravan sites for the use of tourists.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonSuch projects may be considered for grant under Section 67 of the Countryside (Scotland) Act, 1967.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithDoes the Countryside Commission have enough money to help tourism in this way? Is it not true that some local authorities, despite the assurances of the Government that they wish to help tourism, have had their proposals turned down by the Countryside Commission, not because the proposals were bad but because the Government have not given the Countryside Commission enough money to do the job which they set them up to do?
§ Dr. MabonThis is the tenth question and we have now had 11 requests to increase public expenditure. Last year we provided £50,000, we have approved two schemes submitted to us, and this year we are providing £70,000, which I think is quite adequate for the moment.
§ Mr. James HamiltonWill the Minister say whether the Government will make available to local authorities money to prepare caravan sites for gipsies, as this matter is causing much concern?
§ Dr. MabonWith respect to my hon. Friend, that is another matter. We have 1351 been discussing the travellers, as they are called, in a different context. I should like to answer the question if my hon. Friend will put it down in that form.