HL Deb 27 February 1969 vol 299 cc1201-2
THE EARL OF CROMARTIE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government the number of civil servants now employed by the Highlands and Islands Development Board, and what has been the increase since the beginning of 1968.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND (LORD HUGHES)

My Lords, the Board at present employs a permanent staff of 154 and a temporary and seasonal staff of 14. In January, 1968, it employed a permanent staff of 84 and a temporary staff of 5. Of its present staff 14 members are civil servants seconded by their Departments: this is an increase of 5 since January, 1968.

THE EARL OF CROMARTIE

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his full Answer, which will be of considerable interest to many in the Highlands and Islands. Would he not agree with me that there is a necessity to keep watch on any increases there may be, as there is a danger of the overlapping of functions, especially between the Board and the Scottish Tourist Board?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I can assure the House that there is no danger of the Highlands and Islands Development Board or any other of these bodies being able to get funds for staff very readily; but I think from his knowledge of the Highlands the noble Earl will agree that if there is any body which has been created during this century which has accomplished results in the Highlands it is the Highlands and Islands Development Board, and we ought not to put obstacles in its way. With regard to the reference to possible overlapping with the Scottish Tourist Board—and I presume the noble Earl's reference is to the proposed new Scottish Tourist Board—the exact relationship between the two bodies can be finally determined only when the new Tourist Board is appointed. This is a point which is already receiving consideration between my Department and the Highlands and Islands Development Board, and in due course it will be discussed with the new Tourist Board.

THE EARL OF CROMARTIE

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for that answer.

THE DUKE OF ATHOLL

My Lords, could the Minister consider publishing a table which would show where the increased staff are, because obviously there is a big difference between having an increase in the number of top staff and an increase in the number of secretaries? I am sure the noble Lord will agree with me that the important thing is not the number of bodies involved. Further, is the increase in numbers due to the fact that other areas bordering on the crofting counties are going to be sufficiently fortuate to be brought within the ambit of the Board?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I suggest to the noble Duke that if he will put down a Question on the subject of the increased staff I shall be glad to give him a full Answer.

THE DUKE OF ATHOLL

My Lords, would the noble Lord care to answer my second question?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I was so concerned about the first part of the question that I am afraid I did not notice what the second part was. Would the noble Duke care to repeat it?

THE DUKE OF ATHOLL

My Lords, is the increase in numbers perhaps due to the fact that other areas bordering on the crofting counties are going to be sufficiently fortunate to be brought within the ambit of the Board?

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, if the noble Duke likes to put that down as another Question I shall be glad to answer it.