HC Deb 15 December 1982 vol 34 cc279-80
11. Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the effectiveness of the Highlands and Islands Development Board in relation to encouraging more efficient land use.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

It is the policy of the Highlands and Islands Development Board to encourage the best use of natural resources within its area. Given the poor quality of much of the land in its area I am satisfied that the board makes every effort to encourage the most appropriate use of land and to promote alternative uses where these can be profitable.

Mr. Johnston

Does the Minister agree that the board considers that its powers in relation to this are inadequate, as it has stated in representations to the Government? In a case such as the Knoydart estate, which the Ministry of Defence is considering purchasing, does the board have any opportunity to express a view that can be taken into account?

Mr. Fletcher

On the first point, the chairman of the board made it clear in this year's annual report that the board would not be pursuing any extension of its powers in regard to land use. The proposals for the Knoydart estate are a matter in the first instance for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. I am aware that he is at present consulting the Highland regional council. I do not believe that the House would expect my right hon. Friend or myself to comment further on such a matter.

Mr. Harry Ewing

Is the Minister saying that he has no interest in what happens eventually to the Knoydart estate? The estate does not belong to the Ministry of Defence. Does the Minister accept that it would be much better to give the HIDB far greater powers for the acquisition of land, planning and decisions about developing land use once that land has been acquired? The Minister should not sit back and allow his colleagues in the Ministry of Defence to decide the future of an important piece of land in the north of Scotland, which is badly needed for purposes other than defence.

Mr. Fletcher

The hon. Gentleman's ignorance out of office is equalled only by his ignorance in office. He seems to know nothing about the fact that my right hon. Friend, like his right hon. Friend when he was Secretary of State, has a planning duty and therefore it would be incorrect for my right hon. Friend or myself to make any further comment.

Mr. Corrie

Does my hon. Friend agree that some conservation groups, through their blind passion to preserve everything, are holding back development in much of the Highlands? Is he aware that the development of land for agriculture and the creation of new jobs has been stopped by some of those groups?

Mr. Fletcher

I am bound to agree with my hon. Friend. There are some groups in some parts of the Highlands that are rather uncertain whether they want fresh employment opportunities, judging by their attitude to schemes that are put forward. Such schemes are given the most careful consideration by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. Donald Stewart

Is the Minister aware that there is great disappointment in the Highlands that the HIDB has never used its existing powers with regard to land? The Highlands requires legislation to wipe out the curse of landlordism once and for all.

Mr. Fletcher

I agree with the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's question. I disagree totally with the Socialism that he advocates in the second part.