§ 31. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that not only in the Highlands but all over Scotland the hills are being covered with bracken; whether he is aware that where there is bracken there is no feeding for sheep or cattle; and whether he will inform the House when he intends to take more active steps to exterminate this weed, either by making larger grants for the purpose or by other means?
§ 38. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has read the recent report of Professor W. G. R. Patterson, chairman of the Scottish Bracken Eradication Committee, to the effect that over 2,000,000 acres of farmland in Scotland have already been encroached upon by bracken; that bracken is getting such a hold that it is going to ruin our best sheep farms, and that unless the problem is dealt with seriously there is no future for sheep-farming as known to-day in Scotland; and whether, in view of the gravity of this report by an expert, he can announce any fresh plan for dealing with the problem?
§ Mr. ColvilleI would refer to my reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean) on 27th June.
§ Mr. KirkwoodHas the right hon. Gentleman not seen the report which has been submitted by the Scottish Bracken Eradication Committee in which there is a suggestion by Professor Patterson that bracken should be attacked from the air, that it should be sprayed with sulphuric acid from the air? Cannot the Scottish Office do something to meet the expense of such a proposal?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am aware of the report in question, and I have in mind the terrible trouble which bracken causes. The hon. Member will realise that a sum of £4,000 has been provided for bracken-cutting machines. and that efforts made to deal with bracken are being made. Principal Patterson recommended the extension of the use of cutting machines.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIs the Secretary of State not aware that £4,000 is a mere bagatelle, and is of no use in counteracting this terrible menace which is overrunning Scotland at the moment?
§ Mr. Neil Macleanrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerI must again point out the number of questions on the Order Paper.