HC Deb 01 April 1941 vol 370 cc846-7
27. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many sheep were carried by the deer forests of Scot land at the last available date before the war; and what is the corresponding figure for the last available date?

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)

The numbers of sheep returned as grazing on deer forests in Scotland at 4th June, 1939, and 4th June, 1940, were 50,426 and 74,778, respectively.

Mr. Gibson

Is any arrangement being made whereby the number of sheep grazed in deer forests will be enumerated more than once a year?

Mr. Westwood

Yes; additional returns are now being taken as at 4th March, 4th September and 4th December, commencing with the return made on 4th December. That return was made after the summering stocks had been taken off and shows only the permanent stock in the forests. While there are no comparable figures for previous years the December, 1941, figures will enable this year's increase in permanent stock to be assessed.

28. Mr. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with muirburning on the graz- ing portions of the deer forests in Scotland; whether special steps are proposed to be taken; and, if so, by what date?

Mr. Westwood

No information is available as to the extent to which muirburning has been carried out on deer forests in Scotland this year. Proprietors have the right to make muirburn on their lands up to 30th April, or in the case of deer forests more than 1,500 feet above sea level up to 15th May. Tenants have the right under Defence Regulation to burn within the same periods subject to certain conditions. In addition, agricultural executive committees may issue compulsory directions in respect of muirburning when they think it necessary or expedient for the purpose of increasing or maintaining food production.

Mr. Gibson

In view of the fact that deer forests are now the main reservoir for the grazing of additional sheep, will my hon. Friend see to it that arrangements are made to push forward muirburning as quickly as possible during the remaining available weeks of the spring, and so make the earliest possible provision for the growth of young heather on which the sheep feed?

Mr. Westwood

I have no doubt that the agricultural executive committees are keeping a close watch on that.