§ 3. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will cause a census of Highland cattle in the Lowlands of Scotland to be made forthwith, with a view to their immediate transfer to former actual, and still potential, grazing land in and outside deer forests, but presently infested with bracken?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Ernest Brown)I do not consider that the suggested census would serve any useful purpose, for an indiscriminate transfer of the kind suggested would not be practicable or in the interests of food production.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the Minister aware that Highland cattle in the Lowlands of Scotland have been placed there for ornamental purposes, and that if they were transferred to the deer forests, they would work their passage through life by bringing the bracken under control?
§ Mr. BrownI am not aware of that. The number of Highland cattle in the Lowlands of Scotland is relatively small, and such Highland cattle as are there are on rough grazing, for which they are suitable.
§ Mr. GibsonWhen the right hon. Gentleman says that the number is relatively small, what does he mean in numbers?
§ Mr. BrownI have not any figures available, but my information is that the number is relatively small.
§ Mr. HannahCannot somebody invent a beast that will eat the bracken?