HC Deb 21 February 1973 vol 851 cc457-9
13. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Government's overall policy towards the need to protect the coast and countryside from damage by the oil industry; and if he will make particular reference to the discussions he has had with Shetland County Council on this matter.

Mr. Younger

Our objective is to achieve the right balance between develepment and conservation, and the existing planning machinery properly used ought to do this. As my right hon. Friend has announced, he has commissioned a study of the coast to be carried out jointly by the Countryside Commission for Scotland, the Nature Conservancy and his Department's consultant landscape architect. I and my officials have discussed with Shetland County Council a number of major issues, but not specifically the protection of the coast and countryside.

Mr. Strang

Does the Minister accept that with proper planning there need be no conflict between maximising the number of oil jobs on the Scottish mainland and preserving our beautiful countryside? The people of Scotland are not prepared to see their environment irreparably damaged by irresponsible bargains struck between land speculators and oil supply companies. For that reason, many of us are in sympathy with the proposals put forward by Shetland County Council.

Mr. Younger

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he has said. I do not think I will comment on the proposals by Shetland County Council at this stage as they may possibly come before a parliamentary commission and that would be the time for them to be discussed. But I agree with the hon. Member, and I have been emphasising this frequently to local planning authorities in recent months, that they have controls or powers to ensure that only what they regard as right developments take place in their areas. I agree with the hon. Member that they have powers to prevent irresponsible development if it should be proposed.

Mr. Grimond

It is well known that Shetland County Council decided to promote an order some time ago and we are grateful to the Scottish Office for such assistance as it has given in this matter. Will it be borne in mind, however, that though it is absolutely essential to control developments—and of course we wish to protect the environment and the social fabric of the islands—those of us who for a long time have sought to have alternative sources of employment do not want it to be thought that we are not aware that these developments might provide useful employment for young school leavers, for instance, who at the moment have to move away from the islands altogether, both Orkney and Shetland, to get work?

Mr. Younger

I am thoroughly in sympathy with what the right hon. Gentleman says. It is most important that we should not hold up developments of the right kind. In my opinion the planning powers which are available are adequate to ensure that no development which would be harmful takes place if a local planning authority does not wish it to do so.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

Would my hon. Friend agree also that there is need for an overall view, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State showed by instituting the overall study to be undertaken by the Countryside Commission and the Nature Conservancy? This study is very urgent. Can my hon. Friend give any indication when it will report?

Mr. Younger

It is not envisaged that a report as such will be produced. The two bodies are trying to do a survey of the facts of the case and will then give advice on them which my right hon. Friend and all concerned will consider.

Mr. Maclennan

Can the Minister say that the Secretary of State will not hold up any applications for planning permission which may be forthcoming, particularly one which may come from my constituency in the case of Chicago Bridge Company in connection with the proposed development at Dunnett Bay? Would that be considered in the expectation of receiving the results of the survey to which the hon. Gentleman has referred?

Mr. Younger

My right hon. Friend has been most anxious at all times not to hold up planning decisions of this sort. Indeed, he has a very successful record in this respect because of the number of very swift planning decisions that have been taken. I will certainly draw my right hon. Friend's attention to what the hon. Gentleman has said. We certainly would not wish to hold up any decision in his constituency.