§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received a copy of the report commissioned by the Highlands and Islands Development Board on the Harris tweed industry; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI understand that the board has commissioned three studies in this field; but the work has not yet been completed.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide finance to the Highlands and Islands Development Board to enable it to make grants and loans to individual weavers for the purchase of double width looms, when a satisfactory design has been produced.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI understand that work on the prototype double width loom has not yet been completed, but that the board has recently had preliminary discussions with the principal interests concerned about possible ways in which any new looms could be provided.