§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in determining the amount of the Exchequer grant to the Highland Development Board, he will take into consideration the increased revenue raised from the Highland area by the Selective Employment Tax; and if he will take steps to offset the added tax burden on the Highland economy by this means.
§ Mr. RossIt would not be appropriate to determine the grant to the Board by reference to the revenue from any particular tax. The important thing is to provide the Board with the funds necessary for its approved schemes and projects and I am of course very ready to consider any proposals which the Board submits for the development of its area.