HC Deb 16 May 1922 vol 154 cc217-8
27. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAY

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the Report of the Deer Forests Committee that they have reason to believe that since the figures in their Report were made up the stock in the forests has been considerably reduced, and that unless the Government desire a reversion to the state of things before the War they consider that an annual return of stock in deer forests should be ordered at once; and, if so, whether, having regard to the probable delay involved in framing and passing legislation to give effect to the whole or the bulk of the recommendations of the Committee, he will introduce legislation at an early date to carry out the suggestions made by the Committee for immediate action, namely, the extension of deer forests to be forbidden by Statute, except with special sanction from the Secretary for Scotland given after inquiry, an annual return of the stock of sheep and cattle in each deer forest to be made to the Board of Agriculture and local committees with independent chairman to classify the deer forests and determine the stock each should carry?

Mr. MUNRO

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter portion I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on 9th May to a question. by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Aberdeen.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some clearances are in immediate prospect and can he give the House an assurance that legislation will be introduced on this Report before the House rises in August?

Sir J. D. REES

How can legislation he attempted ill view of the admitted facts set out by the Committee that hardly any of this land can be made cultivatable' except at prohibitive expense and the counties cannot afford to lose this great. paying asset of taxation?

Mr. MUNRO

I entirely appreciate the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend (Lieut.-Colonel Murray), but I cannot give a definite date at which legislation can be introduced. There certainly will be no avoidable delay.

Sir J. D. REES

May I have an answer to my question, or is it out of Order?

Mr. SPEAKER

The question was answered last week.

Sir J. D. REES

With great respect, I did not ask it of the Secretary for Scotland, from whom, I think, it most. important to get a reply.