§ 35. Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now take steps to promote an agricultural development programme for the Highlands and Islands as proposed by the National Farmers Union of Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy right hon. Friend has consistently pointed out that it is the duty of the European Commission to make balanced proposals for assisting all agriculturally disadvantaged areas of the Community, including the Highlands and Islands. Should they propose a package of structural measures on this basis the Government would consider it most carefully in terms of 177W the likely cost-effectiveness of those proposals directly applicable to the United Kingdom when measured against competing claims for the limited public resources available and the budgetary implications for the United Kingdom of the package as a whole.