§ 33. Mr. Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will reimburse the objectors at the Drumbuie public inquiry in respect of their expenses.
§ Mr. William RossI cannot anticipate my decision on any submission about expenses which may be put before me.
§ Mr. GrayWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind when considering this matter that the assurance given by his predecessor that he would consider the expenses of the objectors during this inquiry led many of them to continue with their objections, and if they do not receive at least a contribution towards their expenses many of them will suffer serious financial embarrassment?
§ Mr. RossIt is as well to get right exactly what the previous Secretary of State said. As I understand it, he undertook only to take account of any claim for some expenses that might have been rendered nugatory by the then Government's proposals for a special Bill. That special Bill has not been proceeded with, so the position has changed.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that many of the objectors to the Drumbuie scheme are holiday home Englanders or Lowlanders who would allow the local community to die or emigrate through lack of employment?
§ Mr. RossNo doubt there are many like that, but I can assure my hon. Friend that there are many people in the locality who are concerned about the scheme.
§ Mr. GrimondWhen the right hon. Gentleman is considering this matter will he bear in mind that there is widespread feeling that excessive expenses should not be borne by the objectors? Will he also see whether the general level of expenses, the time taken and the method of these inquiries should not be made more economic?
§ Mr. RossI believe we discussed all of this on an earlier Question. All these matters will be considered, but the question of expenses does not arise until after the inquiry.