§ 44. Mr. Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in addition to any deer forests, he has taken possession of any farms in Scotland owing to their being in bad cultivation; and if so, how many?
Mr. JohnstonI have taken possession of 41 agricultural subjects other than deer forests. These include 22 farms and 19 other agricultural subjects comprising parts of farms and parks. Two farms have since been released, as satisfactory arrangements have been made by the proprietors for the better use of the land.
§ Mr. MacleanWhat is being done with regard to the farms that have not been returned, in view of the food situation? Are they being tilled by the Scottish Office, or leased by the Scottish Office to farmers who are prepared to till them?