§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he will take to secure an extension of the duration of the integrated development programme for the Western Isles, and to extend its operation to other island and mainland crofting areas.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe integrated development programme for the Western Isles was an initiative by the European Commission. It is for the Commission to come forward with proposals to extend the programme, as the Government requested at the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 31 March. The Council last year approved a Commission proposal for an agricultural development programme for the other Scottish islands, details of which are currently being worked up for implementation later this year.