HC Deb 17 December 1946 vol 431 cc359-60W
126. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is proposed to set up a Highland Development Board to report on the natural and mineral resources of the Highlands.

Mr. Westwood

I have decided to appoint a Highlands and Islands Advisory Panel with the following terms of referenceTo advise the Secretary of State for Scotland on the carrying out of concerted plans by Government Departments, local authorities and other public bodies for promoting the best economic use of resources and capacity in the Highlands and Islands.

The following have accepted invitations to become members of the Panel:

  • The hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. M. Macmillan)—Chairman.
  • The hon. Member for Motherwell (Mr. A. Anderson).
  • Major the Hon. Robert Bruce.
  • Mr. John Cameron, K.C.
  • The hon. and gallant Member for Argyll (Major Duncan McCallum).
  • Mr. J. D. Macdonald.
  • Dr. I. H. McIver.
  • The hon. and gallant Member for Ross and Cromarty (Captain J. MacLeod)
  • Mr. Alexander J. Mackenzie.
  • Mrs. Naomi Mitchison.

In addition there will be eight members nominated by the County Councils of Argyll, Caithness, Inverness, Orkney, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland, and Zetland, and by the Town Council of Inverness. Names of these nominees will be announced as soon as they are received from the local authorities of the areas concerned. All appointments to the Panel will be for terms of two years.

Provision is being made for the co-option of additional members and for the appointment of sub-committees where necessary on particular questions. Liaison officers will be appointed by all Government Departments concerned, and by public bodies such as the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board, the Forestry Commissioners and the Scottish Tourist Board, and arrangements will be made for representatives of these Departments and bodies to take part in the deliberations of the Panel and its committees as occasion arises.

The Secretary of the Panel will be Mr. M. Campbell, of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, who will be assisted by Mr. R. H. Law, of the Scottish Home Department, and Mr. T. V. Hughson, of the Department of Health for Scotland.

The expenses of the Panel will be borne on the Vote of the Scottish Home Department.

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