§ 52. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware the unemployment in the Lewis 334W and Harris area is above the 30 per cent. level and has for many years been continuously the highest in Great Britain; and if he will direct the Highlands and Islands Development Board to give priority to and take practical immediate action to establish year-round manufacturing industry in the Western Isles, including provision of advance factory space.
§ Mr. RossI am aware of, and naturally concerned about, the unemployment figures for Lewis and Harris and so is the Board. The Board is encouraging and assisting further economic development in the area, both through its grants and loans to new and existing enterprises, and through special projects such as its Fisheries Development Scheme.