HC Deb 11 March 1918 vol 104 c6
28. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has any statistics to show whether the agricultural committees of Scotland are succeeding in getting the necessary quantity of grass land broken up in order to get the allotted acreages under the plough; and, in particular, whether the counties of Stirling and Dumbarton are insisting on the large landowners there doing their duty in that respect to the State?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Clyde)

I am informed by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland that they have not received reports from all the districts, but that the returns available indicate that not less than two-thirds of the total increased acreage asked for has already been promised. With regard to the counties of Stirling and Dumbarton the increases asked for were: —

Stirling (over 1916) 8,200 acres
Dumbarton,, 3,800 acres
12,000 acres

The increases actually promised are: —

Stirling 8,600 acres
Dumbarton 2,400 acres
11,000 acres
Mr. WATT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the feeling exists in the neighbourhood that the landowners are not called upon to do their share?

Mr. CLYDE

There is no intention of that kind. As the hon. Member will see by the figures I have given, there is no manner of justification for any such suggestion.