§ 56. Mr. H. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that many sheep farms in the centre of Scotland are so overrun with bracken that no tenants will take them; that on many other farms bracken now covers one-third of the grazing land; and whether, as the tenants cannot deal with the matter alone, he will consider making special provision whereby the tenants, the landowners and the State may cooperate in reducing this danger to food production?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question of the 9th instant. I have no definite information with regard to the first two parts of the question, but I am aware that this plant is, in places, a serious nuisance. With regard to the last part, experiments have been in progress for some time to discover improved methods of eradication. While that is so, however, I would suggest that the matter is primarily one in which landlords and tenants should co-operate in their own interests. Under present conditions, I am not in a position to offer financial assistance by the State.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISDo I understand that my right hon. Friend does not intend to eliminate bracken?