§ 76. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will instruct the Highlands and Islands Development Board, when contemplating expenditure of public money on projects which will enhance the value of privately owned islands and other estates, to exercise their statutory powers to acquire such lands in the first place and develop them under full public ownership.
§ 77. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he approved in principle the proposal of the Highlands and Islands Development Board to spend £1 million on the building of hotels providing seasonal employment in a service industry for small numbers of girls who do not receive employment benefit off season, in view of the need of the Islands for year-round insurable employment in manufacturing industry; and if he will direct the Board to switch this expenditure.
§ Mr. RossI am satisfied that this proposal, together with the Board's other measures to develop the tourist industry in the Highlands and Islands, should strengthen the economy of the Islands,106W and, in particular, bring about a lengthening of the tourist season in these areas. The second part of the Question does not arise.
§ Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he was consulted by the Highlands and Islands Development Board before the Board offered a grant of £1,000 to further the attempted observation of the alleged Loch Ness monster; and why this has been accorded priority over urgent projects.