§ 34. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has any report from the Board of Agriculture to the effect that on the farm of Balephetrish, in Tiree, the tenant's shepherd and the local policeman deliberately herded the tenant's sheep on to the crops planted by the cottars; that in this way the grain has been rendered useless for human food; that it is the expressed intention of these men to repeat their action with the growing potatoes; and whether he will inform the Food Controller of this destruction of growing crops or take action himself, in order to prosecute under the Defence of the Realm Regulations for such destruction?
§ Mr. MUNROThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Reports which I have received lend no support to the allegation as to the local policeman. As regards the shepherd's action, where crops have been sown on grazing land without fencing, movements of cattle and sheep in the neighbourhood of the crops may, of course, be represented as wilful destruction of crops. The reports which I have received do not, however, indicate any expressed intention to destroy human food. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland is negotiating with the farmer, and I am hopeful that an agreement may be reached.
§ Mr. WATTHas the right hon. Gentleman consulted the representative of the Board of Agriculture who went down to the island?
§ Colonel YATEDo sheep cat potato tops?