§ Mr. Wigginasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the budget of the Highlands and Islands Develop-
Grant in aid Receipts Expenditure £'000 £'000 £'000 Year to 31st March 1973 … … … … … 3,821 854 4,675 Year to 31st March 1974 … … … … … 4,639 1,030 5,669 Year to 31st March 1975 … … … … … 5,498 1,090 6,588 The population of the board's area based on mid-year estimates was
1973 … … … 285,048 1974 … … … 289,100 1975 … … … 316,000 The 1975 figures include the populations of the districts of Nairn, Cromdale and the Islands of Bute and Arran, areas in which the board was authorised to operate under the Highlands and Islands Development Board Area Extension Order 1975 (SI 1975 No. 843 (S 146)).