§ 33. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what special arrangements he is devising to protect areas such as the Western Isles, already burdened by living costs and prices much higher than average national levels, from the effect of increased transport charges by land and sea, increased fuel prices partly resulting from taxation, and also of high prices for food, coal and other goods insofar as these high prices are not caused by high transport costs.
§ Mr. George BrownThe Western Isles will benefit from the plans for the national economy including those for achieving price stability, along with other parts of the country. Special assistance is already given to the Highlands and Islands under such measures as the Highlands and Island Shipping Services Act, 1960, the Crofters' Grants and Loans Scheme and the Treasury Loan Scheme. In addition, as my hon. Friend is aware, a Bill now before Parliament provides for the setting up of a Highlands and Islands Development Board which will have a duty to keep under review all 249W matters relating to the economic and social well-being of the people of the area.