HC Deb 15 March 1978 vol 946 cc417-8
5. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland who will pay the costs of the inquiry into setting up a mink farm on the island of Westray.

Mr. Millan

I shall meet the direct costs of setting up the inquiry. Other parties will in general be responsible for their own expenses.

Mr. Grimond

How much expense will fall upon the Orkney Islands Council? As the Minister well knows, this is a somewhat peculiar inquiry, in that it may not be held at all, and most of the objectors come from furth of the islands. How much expenditure will fall locally?

Mr. Millan

I think that the answer is "Very little", because, as I understand it, it was from that point of view a comparatively simple inquiry. I do not think that much expense will be involved for anyone.

Mr. Watt

Will the Minister pay special attention to the outcome of this inquiry and be aware that mink have now reached epidemic proportions throughout the rest of Scotland, and that it would be most unwise to allow this dangerous animal on to an island?

Mr. Millan

It was really for that reason that I made a revocation order. The inquiry is into that order. Beyond that, given that we shall have an inquiry, I do not think that it would be right for me to comment further.

Dr. M. S. Miller

If Scotland is so poor, who will buy the mink?