§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Countryside Commission about the future and the future extent of the site of special scientific interest affected by the proposed pipeline assembly yard at Tain, Ross-shire.
§ Mr. AncramThe Countryside Commission for Scotland has made no representations to my right hon. and learned Friend on this matter. For its interest in the Dornoch firth national scenic area, it has expressed the view to the highland regional council that there are reasons which militate against the development of the site and that it would prefer consent to be withheld and further alternative sites to be investigated. If, however, after due consideration, the regional council considered that planning permission should be given, the commission indicated that it would not wish to have the proposal referred to my right hon. and learned Friend.
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list and categorise in theOfficial Report each respective section of coastline within the Highland regional council's boundaries over which there exists a planning or development presumption in favour of conservation; and if he will express the total length of coastline so designated as a percentage of the total length of coastline within Highland regional council's boundaries.
§ Mr. AncramThe coastal planning guidelines issued by the Scottish Development Department in 1974 classify four parts of the Highland region coastline as preferred2W development zones (Moray firth, Cromarty firth, Wick area and Thurso area) and the rest of the coastline as a preferred conservation zone. Approximately 90 per cent. of the coastline is within the latter category.