§ 3.5 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are in a position to make a statement regarding any changes, or contemplated changes, in their plans for the establishment of a guided missile range on the island of South Uist.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply I gave to the noble Lord on October 31, about the future of the Hebrides guided missile range. Her Majesty's Government hope, however, to be able to make a full statement very shortly.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords. I beg to thank the noble Lord for his Answer. In the meantime, whilst paying a tribute to the friendly and co-operative attitude of the R.A.F. administrative staff at Benbecula, may I ask the noble Lord this question? In view of the state of suspense, in some cases involving financial loss, in which a number of crofters in the vinicity of the rocket range have been kept, will the Government make earlier payment to account of losses already suffered? May I also put this second supplementary question: will the Government consider granting full compensation in every case in the Uist group of islands in which financial losses directly attributable to the Government's activities in connection with the rocket range can be proved? Surely these are eminently fair and reasonable requests.
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I can assure the noble Viscount, as I have done, I think, on more than one occasion, that the well-being of the crofters and the delicate economics of the island are being borne fully in mind.