§ 76. Mr. Leslieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he is aware of the ranch scheme for the New Forest where, with Government aid, cattle are to be raised and sold under the Government Marketing Scheme; and will he consider formulating a similar scheme for the 2154 Highlands by utilising deer forests suitable for the purpose?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)On common lands comprising about 1,000 acres in the New Forest, Hampshire, an experimental scheme on about 400 acres is being carried out with a view to the improvement of grazings. In Scotland Club sheep stocks and cattle on common grazings are a normal feature of crofting practice, and I will be glad to extend the operation of any communal stocking to any deer forest where a recommendation is made by the local Agricultural Executive Committee. As the hon. Member may be aware, we have already taken over four deer forests.