To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions, or correspondence, he has had with Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils with regard to the proposed funicular railway on Cairngorm; and what views the councils expressed to him. [31235]

My right hon. Friend received a letter from Aberdeenshire Council on 25 November 1997 advising him that a motion had been passed expressing the Council's disappointment at the decisions not to review the planning consent and to award tax payers' money for the development. There has been no correspondence from Moray Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice the Cairngorms Partnership Board gave him with regard to their consideration of the planning application for the proposed funicular railway on Cairngorm. [31236]

The Cairngorms Partnership Board advised my right hon. Friend that, if central Government saw fit to become involved in the planning process, they would support that decision.