§ Mr. M. MacMILLANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give any information as to the prospect of reviving the kelp industry in the Western Isles?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe depressed state of the kelp industry in the Western Isles is due to the heavy fall in the price of iodine. The position was carefully examined last year, when consideration was given to the question of temporary financial assistance, but with all the facts before them the Government reached the conclusion that such assistance from public funds was not warranted by the prospects of the industry. Since then there has been no change of circumstances. I am, however, not without hope that some improvement in the industry may be brought about by the adoption of new methods of utilising seaweed for commercial purposes.