§ 117. Mr. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that one of the principal reasons for the failure to achieve any substantial industrial expansion in the north of Scotland is the high cost of transport to the southern markets; and whether he will examine, with the Minister of Transport, the possibility of reducing freight charges on long hauls by means of a flat rate for merchandise.
§ Mr. J. StuartMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I are aware of the high cost of transport from the 35W North of Scotland to the southern markets. I understand that the British Transport Commission are now preparing for submission to the Transport Tribunal a draft scheme of freight charges and have undertaken to keep in mind the recommendations of the Committee on Highland Transport Costs which was appointed by the Scottish Council, the Scottish Board for Industry and the Advisory Panel on the Highlands and Islands.