§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the expansion of quarrying in the Highlands and Islands; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 12 February 1990]: Representations regarding the expansion of quarrying in the Highlands and Islands have not been received.
It is recognised that there are particular mineral resources which, owing to the nature of the geology of Scotland, are more likely to occur in the Highlands and Islands. The extraction of such minerals can, with the appropriate environmental safeguards, bring social and economic benefits especially to remoter areas.
Any proposal for the development of quarrying would require planning permission and would, in the first instance, be the responsibility of the relevant planning authority.