§ 19. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what grounds the crofters of Strathnaver, who have been suffering from the depredations of deer, have been refused by their proprietor, the Department of Agricul- 15 ture for Scotland, the materials for a deer fence which they are willing themselves to erect; and whether he is now prepared to sanction the grant of these materials?
Mr. W. ADAMSONI am advised by the Department of Agriculture that the responsibility for the erection of the deer fence at Strathnaver to which the hon. Baronet refers should be borne by the landlord from whose lands the deer come, and against whom damages have been awarded by the Land Court in respect of the depredations in question.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that this matter is dealt with, because in the meantime the crofters are suffering, and they are willing to put up the fence?
Mr. MACLEANCan the right hon. Gentleman say if it is correct, as stated in this question, that the Department of Agriculture is the proprietor of this land, or whether it is some private owner?
Mr. ADAMSONThe Department of Agriculture is not the proprietor of the land from which the deer came. Steps have been taken to obtain damages from the proprietor.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRAre steps being taken to get the fence put up? That is the important point.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIf these landlords do not pay, is there not power to send them to prison?