§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Highlands and Islands Development Board on the Knoydart estate.
§ Mr. WigginThe Ministry of Defence is at the moment considering whether to acquire the Knoydart estate for use as a training area. If it is decided to proceed, we shall make every effort to consult those organisations with an interest in the future of the estate; we shall also be consulting the Highlands regional council under the procedure laid down in the Scottish Development Department circular 49/77. We have not held consultations with the Highlands and Islands Development Board, but would be prepared to do so if it wished.