§ 37. Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that landowners in Skye have been relieved by the Department for Land Settlement from their obligation to take over sheep stock from their tenants at way- 2059 going; and under what statutory authority are State funds being used for this purpose?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)My right hon. Friend is not aware that landowners in Skye have been relieved by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland from any obligation to take over sheep stock from their tenants at waygoing. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.
§ 38. Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a smallholder on State-owned land in Glenelg, Inverness-shire, who vacated his holding a year ago, has not yet received payment from the Department of Agriculture for the sheep stock he was compelled to leave; and if steps will now be taken to pay the ascertained value of the sheep retained by the Department?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe hon. Gentleman's question appears to be framed under a misapprehension. No payments are due by the Department of Agriculture to the outgoing smallholder in respect of sheep stock. The sheep stock on the estate is held by a club, in which the smallholder had a share. On vacating the holding the smallholder was tendered the value of his share, which was determined in accordance with the rules of the club.
§ 39. Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the observations of the Scottish Land Court upon the management of the sheep stocks on State lands controlled by the Department of Agriculture; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the defects indicated by the court?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe attention of my right hon. Friend has been drawn to the terms of the observations of the Scottish Land Court, dated 9th June, to which the hon. Member probably refers. These are at present under consideration.