HC Deb 10 May 1973 vol 856 cc741-2
Q1. Mr. Douglas

asked the Prime Minister if he will visit at least one of the seven crofting counties during his official visit to Scotland.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

I visited Ross and Cromarty and Inverness last September, but I have no plans to make further visits to the crofting counties at present.

Mr. Douglas

Are we correct in understanding that during his visit to Scotland the Prime Minister is likely to make a speech about devolution? Instead of making speeches, will he take action on decentralisation and set up a petroleum supply industry board in Scotland? In view of the complacency expressed in the Scottish Economic Bulletin, will the Prime Minister take steps to ensure that the planning mechanism in Scotland is sufficiently stringent to secure that land, particularly in the crofting counties, is used for its proper purposes and not exploited for private gain on oil developments?

The Prime Minister

There is absolutely no complacency in the document to which the hon. Gentleman refers. It is an admirable production, which gives the most up-to-date information about the rapid development of oil and associated products in Scotland. I say, again, that that is something of which hon. Members representing Scottish constituencies can indeed be proud.

Obviously, with a rapid development such as this a great deal more land will be used for this purpose. The hon. Gentleman must make up his mind. Does he or does he not want rapid develop- ment, in Scotland, of oil resources? If he does, it is right that it should be carried through.

Mr. Grimond

Why does not the Prime Minister bring that splendid new yacht of his to Shetland? He would be able to sail in waters that sort out the men from the boys, hear our problems, and visit the oil rigs by sea.

The Prime Minister

I am always prepared to do what the right hon. Gentleman asks. I have had many invitations to sail in Scotland but it has never been possible for me to afford the time to do so. I have visited rigs. It is easier to do so by helicopter.

Mr. Maclennan

Why does the Prime Minister—unlike his predecessor—not visit and, apparently, have no intention of visiting Caithness and Sutherland? He would be given an extremely warm welcome and would be able to see the potential for industrial and other development in that most progressive part of the crofting counties. If he came by way of the A9 he would be able to understand some of our communications difficulties and make representations to his right hon. Friend about the importance of bridging the Dornoch Firth.

The Prime Minister

On two occasions when I was Leader of the Opposition, before I became Prime Minister, I visited Caithness and Sutherland. I am well acquainted with the A9 and its problems. That is one reason why I have always supported the improvement of road communications in Scotland.