§ 49. Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now satisfied with the financial allocation to the Highlands and Islands Development Board; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WillisThe estimates of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland for the year ending 31st March,508W 1966, include provision for a grant-in-aid of £150,000 to the Board and I am quite satisfied that this figure is sufficient for the Board's present purposes. I cannot comment on the figure for 1966–67 in advance of publication of my Department's estimates for that year.
§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the tasks completed by the Highland Development Board, and its plans for future developments.
§ Mr. RossThe Board has introduced arrangements for financial assistance by way of grant or loan for industrial and commercial projects and has submitted a proposal for development of the fishing industry in the Highlands and Islands. The Board is commissioning the planning of a caravan park site in Glencoe, and proposes to undertake major surveys of two possible growth areas in the Highlands and Islands. It also has under consideration multi-purpose land development schemes, the provision of tourist facilities in the West Highlands and Islands, and various industrial developments.