§ 71. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make provision for the enlargement of the stocks of sheep and cattle in the Highland counties by arranging for grazing to be available on deer-forests?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)Under the Defence Regulations agricultural executive committees are empowered, subject to my approval, to give directions with respect to the management or use of deer forests. I have no doubt that use will be made of these powers wherever necessary.
§ Mr. MathersDoes the right hon. Gentleman wish these powers to be used in this way? Docs he not recognise the difficulties which some of these local committees will have in making a recommendation of this kind to him?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am shortly sending out a circular to executive committees on the subject of deer forests.
Mr. J. J. DavidsonHave any of these local committees submitted schemes for the right hon. Gentleman's approval?
§ Mr. ColvilleThese committees are hard at work trying to bring land into war productivity. On the question of deer forests I am making suggestions to the committees.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWhy does not the Secretary of State at this juncture take over the deer forests, where tens of thousands of sheep could be fed? If it is essential to take over the transport of the country, it is essential to take over the land?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe hon. Member will see that the instructions I am issuing are adequate to the subject.