HC Deb 09 July 1980 vol 988 cc519-20
1. Mr. John MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what study he has made of the National Farmers Union of Scotland's paper on an agricultural development scheme for the Highlands and Islands in which the European Commission's structural proposals could be used to assist agriculture in the Highlands and Islands; what is his policy with regard to these proposals; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. George Younger)

I have studied the union's proposals with interest and my noble Friend the Minister of State and I have discussed them with the union's president and other officer-bearers. We have advised the Commission of the European Communities of the case for considering an extension of the structural proposals to cover a much greater area of Scotland, including the crofting counties, and I shall examine any Commission proposals for the area on their merits.

Mr. MacKay

Does my right hon. Friend realise that his answer will be welcomed by Highlands agriculture, because the scheme would considerably regenerate agriculture and the economy in general in the Highlands? Does he realise that it is important that we proceed speedily before other countries join the EEC and can he give an indication of what sort of timetable the Government envisage?

Mr. Younger

I hope that those matters will be discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting on 22 July. I shall certainly be doing what I can to get some results out of that meeting.

Mr. Maclennan

Does the Secretary of State believe that the Commission is favourable to the Government's proposals to widen the geographical extent from the Western Isles to the whole Highlands region? Does he recognise that the prosperity of agriculture is the foundation of the prosperity of the crofting counties and that action is needed?

Mr. Younger

I agree with the hon. Gentleman's second point. I have reason to think that the Commission regards this as a proposal that it can at least consider. I hope that it will do so.

Mr. George Robertson

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Commission has proposed agricultural developments of £167 million for Western Ireland and of £280 million for Italy? Instead of waiting for the Commission to come forward with proposals, should not the Scottish Office be vigorously pursuing proposals of its own with the Commission to ensure that there is at least a degree of parity between the treatment of western Ireland and Italy and the treatment of Scotland?

Mr. Younger

Those are the sort of arguments that we use in our discussions with the Commission, but it is always for the Commission to put forward proposals that the rest discuss.

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