HC Deb 17 March 1967 vol 743 cc172-3W
Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he took to inform himself of the businesses with which members of the Highland Development Board were connected immediately before their appointments; what these businesses were; what were the dates on which the Board members were appointed and the dates on which they relinquished their business interests; what are the present business interests of members of the Board; and what applications have been received from such businesses for grants or assistance in any form from the Board.

Mr. Ross

I was, of course, well aware of the general business interests of the members of the Board before I appointed them but I do not think it would be relevant or proper for me to present a detailed list of their business interests, since there are provisions in the Highlands and Islands Development Act governing the conduct of members where they have an interest in any matter coming before the Board and I am satisfied that these provisions have been strictly observed. The current appointments to the Board date from 1st November, 1965, with the exception of that of Mr. F. G. Thomson, which is dated 7th March, 1966.

As regards the last part of the Question, information about assistance in individual cases is treated by the Board as confidential, but I can say that the Board has offered assistance totalling £38,187 for projects by four concerns in respect of which declarations of interest were made by one or other of three members. If I obtain the consent of the businesses concerned I will let the hon. Member have information about the assistance given in these cases.