§ 31. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Duke of Argyll has taken proceedings to interdict crofters of Tiree from cultivating and producing food upon suitable but entirely idle land near their homes; and, in view of the present food situation and the thousands of acres of suitable land lying unused on the Duke of Argyll's estates, whether he will take steps to enforce the cultivation of these areas under the Defence of the Realm Act?
Mr. MORISONMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. He is aware from reports in the Press that a petition for interdict at the instance of the Duke of Argyll and Mr. Thomas Barr, farmer, Balephetrish, Tiree, has been pre seated to the Sheriff-substitute at Oban, and that perpetual interdict has been granted against certain cottars and others taking possession of the farm of Balephetrish and part of the farm of Kenovy, Tiree. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland are making every effort by arranging for an increase in the area of land under the plough to make up for the present shortage in the food supply, and they will exercise their powers under the Defence of the Realm Regulations in any case where, in their opinion, it is expedient so to do.
§ Mr. LYNCHWhy have the Government missed so many opportunities of cultivating land in this country and in Ireland? Is it not the fact that the people are of more importance than the game of the Duke of Argyll—or even than the Duke of Argyll himself?