§ 74. Sir G. YOUNGERasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can now state the result of the sheep count of July last on that part of Inverailort stocked under the tenancy created by order of the Scottish Board of Agriculture; whether he can give any estimate of the losses during last winter; and how the stock of sheep now stands?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)The answers to the first and third parts of the question are that at 31st July last the grazing tenant had 500 sheep on the ground, and that at the present time it is reported that there are being grazed some 600 sheep and fifty head of cattle. With regard to the second part of the question, I am not in a position to give an estimate of the losses during last winter, as no reliable figures will be available until the clipping time in July.
§ Sir G. YOUNGERCan the right hon. Gentleman not tell me what the losses were the previous count?
§ Sir G. YOUNGERCan he say whether the stock which is now on the ground has been increased by fresh sheep being brought in since the last count?
§ Mr. MUNROI am having a full report on the circumstances sent to me, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have received it.