§ 33. Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding land use in Caithness and Sutherland.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonLand use in Caithness and Sutherland is primarily a matter for Highland regional council as the planning authority for the area. My right hon. Friend understands that the director of planning for Highland region proposed to the chairman designate of Scottish Natural Heritage the preparation of an integrated land use and development strategy for Caithness and Sutherland jointly by both bodies and, possibly, Highlands and Islands Enterprise. This proposal has been accepted in principle and will be taken forward as resources permit.
The Government welcome this initiative, which will build on work already done, such as the preparation of the land use strategy published by Highland regional council in 1989.