§ Mr. Brynmor Johnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the amount 498W of Government finance being allocated to the building of hotels in the Western Isles, the number of hotels which will be so built and their location, the projected dates of completion of each such hotel, and the number of persons who will be employed at such hotels.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe Highlands and Islands Development Board has been allocated £1 million to construct five hotels on the Western Isles and the West Mainland. The first two, on the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Barra, should open in Spring, 1971 and Summer, 1972 respectively and employ directly a total of 95 persons. Details of the other three hotels have not yet been decided. The Board has also given grant and loan new hotels in Stornoway, which should open in Summer, 1971 and employ directly about 90 persons.
In addition the Scottish Tourist Board has assisted the building of one new hotel in the Isles.
§ Mr. Brynmor Johnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the annual average of Government financial aid given to the Western Isles in the years 1959 to 1964; and what was the annual average for the years 1964 to 1970.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellFigures for all Government financial aid to the Western Isles are not available. Since November, 1965, when it was established, the Highlands and Islands Development Board has approved assistance of approximately £1,055,000 in this area.
§ Mr. Brynmor Johnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of jobs created in the Western Isles by reason of Government grants in the period 1964 to 1970, and the percentage of unemployment amongst the insured population in each island.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellOn the first part of the Question the information available relates only to jobs created through financial assistance by the Highlands and Islands Development Board. From November, 1965 to date the number is approximately 570.
The second part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment, but I understand that separate unemployment 499W percentages cannot be calculated for each island.