Hills (Access Roads)

Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 1 December 1959.

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Photo of Mr Eustace Willis Mr Eustace Willis , Edinburgh East 12:00, 1 December 1959

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that notices are appearing at access roads to the hills of Scotland, purporting to be authorised by the Deer Act, 1959, warning persons to keep off the hills for certain periods; and by what authority this has been done.

Photo of Mr Gilmour Leburn Mr Gilmour Leburn , Kinross and West Perthshire

I understand that notices referring to the Deer Act, 1959, have been erected in one part of the West Highlands. They have not been erected in exercise of any statutory powers.

Photo of Mr Eustace Willis Mr Eustace Willis , Edinburgh East

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to make it publicly known that all these sporting tenants who want to deny the roads of Scotland to the people have no right to do so under the Deer Act?

Photo of Mr Gilmour Leburn Mr Gilmour Leburn , Kinross and West Perthshire

My right hon. Friend has no power to intervene in this matter. It is one which must be left to the good sense of the people concerned, the forestry owners, the deer stalkers and the hill walkers alike.

Photo of Mr Eustace Willis Mr Eustace Willis , Edinburgh East

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give some publicity to this even though he has no power?

Photo of Mr Gilmour Leburn Mr Gilmour Leburn , Kinross and West Perthshire

I shall be happy to consider that point.