HC Deb 25 July 1967 vol 751 cc110-1W
107. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the members of the Highlands and Islands Development Board, or any individual member, were asked, before 30th March, 1966, to give assurances that they would not take a financial interest, or accept an appointment, in the petro-chemical project proposed near Invergordon; and whether such assurances had been asked for by 1st March, 1967.

Mr. Ross

The Answer to the first part of the Question is "No". As to the second part of the Question, Mr. Thomson had already assured me, as I made clear in my Statement to the House on 23rd March, that he would not take any Financial interest in any possible petrochemical enterprise, but could not assure me that he would not accept an appointment in such an enterprise should it eventuate.—[Vol. 743, c.1923–5.]

Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any general notices of disclosure of interest of any members of the Highlands and Island Development Board were recorded, before 30th March, 1966, in the book prescribed in paragraph 11(3) of Schedule 1 to the Highlands and Islands Development Act; whether any such notices were so recorded before 1st March, 1967; and whether any such notices in either case related to bodies connected with the petro-chemical project proposed near Invergordon.

Mr. Ross

The Answers to the first and second parts of the Question are in both cases "Yes"; the Answer to the third part is "No".

Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now institute an inquiry into events leading to the resignation of a member of the Highlands and Islands Development Board in March, 1967.

Mr. Ross

No.

Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will, while retaining the necessary financial control in accordance with the Highland Development Act, instruct his Departments to give full and speedy co-operation to the Highlands and Islands Development Board in assisting that Board with the preparation of schemes and projects.

Mr. Ross

My Departments will continue to give all possible help and co-operation to the Board in such matters.