77. Major M. WOODasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if the Government has yet decided whether they are to carry out the recommendations of the Deer Forests Committee, which reported in November, 1921; and whether any of the suggestions for immediate action made by the committee have been adopted?
§ Captain ELLIOTLegislation would be required to enable effect to be given to the main recommendations and sug- 231 gestions of the Committee, and, as I stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western Aberdeen on the 27th February, my Noble Friend is unable to give an undertaking that legislation on the subject can be included in the programme of the present Session. The practicability of obtaining information as to stocks by voluntary returns is being examined.
§ Captain ELLIOTYes, obviously one of the things asked for was the returns on the subject, and we wish to get the returns in before considering the question of legislation.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs it not the case that six committees have reported on this subject for over 20 years, and that even now farmers are having their crops eaten up wholesale by deer?
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYWas not legislation promised last Session by the Secretary for Scotland, and are not the signatories to the Report gentlemen of all shades of political opinion, which shows that legislation would probably be non-contentious?
§ Captain ELLIOTHowever non-contentious the legislation, it would be taking considerable risk to promise to add to the heavy programme of the present year.