§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures the Government have taken since coming into office to support and expand the development of the Highlands and Islands Development Board.
§ Mr. YoungerThe Government attach special priority to the development of the Highlands and Islands. We have fulfilled the undertakings given in our manifesto by appointing my noble friend the Earl of Mansfield as Minister of State with special responsibilities for co-ordinating policy in the Highlands and Islands, and by bringing the Islands of Cumbrae within the Highland Board area. Wt.' have also increased the level of financial support to the board. Grant-in-aid provision in 1981–82 is £23.6 million, an increase of £3.6 million (18 per cent.) over the previous year.