asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the nature of the petition he has received from the inhabitants of Maidens, Ayrshire, on the question of the establishment of a caravan camp in the village; and what was the nature of his reply.

The petition, which my right hon. Friend received on 19th October, protests against the decision of Ayr County Council as local planning authority to allow a permanent caravan site in the village of Maidens. He has informed the petitioners that he will consider the matter, but that he is first seeking the observations of the county council.

Is the Minister aware that the inhabitants of this village are threatened with the taking away of their community centre, which was not a question before the county council? In considering the representations of the local authority, will he bear this fact in mind?

My right hon. Friend will bear all the facts in mind.