§ 20. Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received from the Highlands and Islands Development Board relating to the improvement of land use in the Highlands and Islands; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. YoungerMy right hon. Friend has received no formal proposals of this kind from the Board.
§ Mr. MaclennanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are conflicts between the interests in different land uses in the Highlands and that the exclusivity of the sporting estate is much resented? Has he any proposals for improving the land use, particularly to allow more people to use those facilities and to improve the agricultural use of the hills and uplands in that area?
§ Mr. YoungerThis is a matter on which it is primarily for the Board to produce proposals. As the hon. Gentleman knows, it has been conducting land use studies in the Strath of Kildonan and on the Isle of Mull. We are looking forward to receiving from the Board the results of those studies.
§ Mr. Russell JohnstonIs my hon. Friend aware that many people hope that the Board will in fact use its powers in regard to land, since there is little point in having teeth if you keep them on the mantelpiece?
§ Mr. YoungerNo doubt the new Board will bear this matter in mind. I know that the new Board is determined to make a real and worthwhile contribution to develop the Highlands.