§ 69. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet received representations from the Scottish Economic Planning Council on the adverse effects of the Selective Employment Tax on the Highlands and Islands.
§ Mr. RossMy discussions on this matter have been with the Highlands and Islands Development Board which has statutory responsibility for development in the Highlands and Islands, and I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer I gave on 27th July to the right hon. Member for Argyll (Mr. Noble).—[Vol. 732, c. 1698.]
§ 70. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the position of the 21W electricity boards in Scotland in relation to other electrical contractors as regards repayment of Selective Employment Tax; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossI am considering this problem in consultation with the Scottish Electricity Boards, taking into account the negotiations which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power is conducting with the Electrical Contractors' Association of England and Wales.
§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why it is not practicable to calculate the estimated cost of the Selective Employment Tax in the Highland counties.
§ Mr. RossWhile it is possible to give approximate figures for Scotland as a whole, or for complete economic planning regions elsewhere, it is not possible to give comparable figures for smaller areas for the reasons I gave on 27th July in replying to Questions by the hon. Members for Ayr (Mr. Younger) and Banff (Mr. Baker).—[Vol. 732, c. 1701.]