§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with other European Economic Community Agriculture Ministers on the need for an integrated development plan to meet the needs of the rural agricultural areas in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerI have been asked to reply.
An integrated development programme for the Western Isles is currently being considered by the Council of Ministers as part of a larger package of agricultural structures measures. The next discussion of this package by the Council is expected to take place on 8–9 December. We have advised the Commission of the European Community of the case for an agricultural development programme for a larger area of Scotland, and I shall examine any Commission proposals on their merits.