HC Deb 19 March 1918 vol 104 c802
35. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his statistics of ploughed-up grass land in Stirlingshire and Dumbartonshire show that the large landowners of such, say of over 100 acres of grass, have done their fair proportion, or whether the most of the ploughing up has been done by the small farmers; and, if the latter, will he say why this distinction is made, in view of the fact that there is such need to grow food for the incoming winter?

Mr. MUNRO

I have no information tending to support the suggestion contained in the question. On the contrary, the fact that only three compulsory Orders have been found necessary in the counties in question during this season points to a general willingness to comply with the efforts being made to increase cultivation. The second part of the question does not in these circumstances arise.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can my right hon. Friend say under what conditions compulsory Orders are issued?

Mr. MUNRO

They are issued by the Board of Agriculture, having regard to all the circumstances.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not at the instance of these county agricultural committees?