asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what part Brora mine will take in his plans for the economic well-being of the Highlands.

I am aware of the importance of this mine and have been in close touch with the County Council of Sutherland and the interested Government Departments and other bodies regarding its future. I understand that the mine is likely to continue in production at any rate until the end of September and that the possibility of continuing it in operation after that date will depend on the expansion of the local market for the output of the mine, which is being urgently examined by the local interests concerned.