§ 16. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the position of the projected Bill for the prevention of damage by red deer; what is the cause of the long delay 12 in issuing the Bill; and when the Bill will be presented to the House?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAs regards the first two parts of the question, discussions are still taking place with a view to overcoming the difficulties of framing a practical and generally acceptable measure for dealing with the subject referred to. As regards the last part, I regret there is no possibility of proceeding with the Bill in the present Session.
§ Mr. STEWARTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the agricultural industry it is thought that the responsibility for blocking this Measure lies with the Scottish Office? Can be give some assurance on the point?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe responsibility undoubtedly rests with the Scottish Office, but our difficulty has been the difficulty that has existed before of drafting a suitable Bill to deal with the whole problem.