43. Sir M. MacDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to give effect to the recommendation for a full inquiry into the cause of the fall in the sheep-carrying capacity of Highland pastures, as suggested to him by the Scottish Land and Property Federation in their letters to his Department of Agriculture dated 30th January and 23rd February last?
§ Mr. ColvilleA sub-committee of the Scottish Agricultural Advisory Council has been set up to consider and make recommendations regarding the stocking of hill grazings. This investigation covers not only the causes of any fall in sheep-carrying capacity but also the possible steps which could be taken to increase the stocking capacity of such lands. The whole question of pastoral improvement was also the subject of discussion at a conference this month convened by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland and attended by representatives of the agricultural colleges in Scotland and other experts on this subject.
§ Mr. ColvilleNo, Sir, I cannot fix a time. The committee have now been sitting for several weeks, and I hope they will be able to give me a report before long.