§ 64. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland, as President of the Scottish Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that the crops planted on the farm of Balephetrish, in the island of Tiree, by the crofters are being eaten by sheep at the order of the farmer there; that the police are preventing the sheep being driven off by the crofters; that the representative of his Board, when in the island, made the statement that it would be criminal to allow sheep to eat crops so valuable for human food; and that the farmer proposes to put cattle into the potatoes planted by the crofters, although within a month of being ready for human consumption; if so, will he say what action he proposes to take in the matter; and whether he has considered the advisability of compensating the farmer for 499 withdrawal of his sheep and cattle, so that the food may not be destroyed in war-time, during the dispute?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)My inquiries into the facts of this case are not yet complete. I propose to communicate with my hon. and learned Friend when I have received the information for which I am waiting.
§ Mr. WATTWill the right hon. Gentleman take care that in any case the food is preserved for the benefit of the nation?