§ 37. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make as to the projected action by the Government to meet the position caused by the depredations of deer, as indicated in the representations made to him by the members of the subcommittee of the National Farmers' Union for Scotland and Blackface Sheep Breeders Association?
§ 42. Mr. Westwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the memorial from the National Farmers' Union for Scotland and Black-face Sheep Breeders' Association; whether 1011 he accepts the statements contained therein relating to the increasing number of red deer and the extending damage to grazing and arable land caused by them; and, if so, what action does he propose taking to deal with this growing danger to Scottish farming?
§ 59. Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the statement, to which his attention has been drawn, circulated by Scottish agriculturists relating to the depopulation of the Highlands of Scotland and the damage to agricultural interests by herds of red deer outwith the boundaries of recognised deer forests; and whether any legislative action is intended by the Government?
§ Mr. ElliotI would refer to the reply given on 17th June, to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart), copies of which I am sending to the hon. Members.
§ Mr. MathersIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that those who are competent to judge reckon that something like 6,000,000 acres of Scottish soil are now covered by deer; and in spite of their picturesque appearance does he not recognise them as vermin, and think they should be dealt with as such?
§ Mr. ElliotUntil I have considered the petition I am not in a position to make a statement upon it.
§ 58. Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the present number and acreage of recognised deer forests in Scotland?
§ Mr. ElliotThe number of deer forests in Scotland, as returned to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland on 4th June, 1936, is 194, and their total area is 3,354,194 acres.
§ Mr. MathersIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that outside the area which is looked upon as being deer forest the deer roam over a total of something like 6,000,000 acres, and does he realise the importance of dealing with this menace?
§ Mr. ElliotI have already answered that point in reply to an earlier question.