Forestry Operations (Cattle and Sheep)

Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture, Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 1 February 1955.

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Photo of Mr David Robertson Mr David Robertson , Caithness and Sutherland 12:00, 1 February 1955

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the stock of cattle and sheep fell on the farms at Gruids in Sutherland, Inverleal, Rattagan, Strathconon, and Comrie in Ross-shire, Glenvarigill, Isle of Skye, and Aberchalder, South Laggan, and Ballachraggan in Inverness-shire, respectively, between December, 1929, and December, 1954, following the operations of the Forestry Commission.

Photo of Mr William Snadden Mr William Snadden , Kinross and West Perthshire

The information asked for involves considerable investigation which it has not been possible to complete in the time available. I shall, however, write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Photo of Mr David Robertson Mr David Robertson , Caithness and Sutherland

Will my hon. Friend expedite his answer because the information is required by Scottish M.P.s of all parties who are meeting a delegation of Highland farmers on 8th February?

Photo of Mr William Snadden Mr William Snadden , Kinross and West Perthshire

I will do my best to get the information but it does involve considerable investigation.

Photo of Mr Arthur Woodburn Mr Arthur Woodburn , Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire

As there is considerable misapprehension and misunderstanding on this matter, can the Minister make clear that no land is taken from agriculture in Scotland without a case being made out and the Secretary of State having final adjudication?

Photo of Mr William Snadden Mr William Snadden , Kinross and West Perthshire

That is perfectly true. All cases are examined by the Secretary of State, and the Department of Agriculture looks at the agricultural aspect.