§ 24. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average number of livestock markets in Scotland during each of the following periods: 1880–90, 1890–1900, 1900–10, and 1910–20, and in each of the years 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, and 1936?
§ Mr. ElliotI regret that it is not possible to reply fully to my hon. Friend's question. There are about 100 markets in Scotland where sales of livestock are regularly held, and a considerable number where sales take place infrequently. There are, however, no annual returns of these numbers.
Mr. StewartHas not the provision of efficient auction markets in Scotland automatically reduced the number of redundant and inefficient markets?
§ Mr. ElliotYes, Sir, I think that is so, to a great extent, at any rate.