Asked by: Charles Kennedy (Liberal Democrat - Ross, Skye and Lochaber)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent assessment he has made of the economic potential of the Scottish Highlands and Islands; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Alistair Carmichael - Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Justice)
The Scottish Highlands and Islands play an important role in the Scottish economy.
The UK Government recognises this and has demonstrated strong support for rural areas through measures such the fuel duty rebate scheme, the abolition of the fuel duty escalator, and in the Budget 2014 supporting Scotch Whisky by freezing duty on spirits.