§ 28. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered representations from the Blackface Sheep-breeders' Association with reference to the serious position of sheep lands owing to lack of drainage, the spread of bracken, and the destruction wrought by the maggot fly; whether he is aware that these factors inflict great losses upon the sheep-farming industry; and whether he proposes to offer any assistance to mitigate the evil?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe representations referred to in the first part of the question are under consideration. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, the amount of the drainage grants for the improvement of hill pastures during 1935 is receiving active attention. With regard to bracken, I am endeavouring to obtain an interim report on the results of the experiments recently conducted. With regard to the sheep-maggot fly, a scientific investigation into the methods of treatment and control is being conducted, and particulars of the results obtained to date were published in the Scottish Journal of Agriculture in July.
§ Mr. STEWARTIn view of the very great importance of this industry to Scotland, will the right hon. Gentleman consider expediting these various inquiries and assisting the trade, especially in view of the fact that the death-rate of sheep and lambs in some parts of Scotland reaches a figure as high as 10 per cent.?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI realise the serious nature of these matters, and have asked for a report as soon as possible.