Hill Sheep Committee (Hansard, 29 June 1943)

§ 28. Mr. Snadden
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now able to state when the Committee on Hill Sheep Farming in Scotland will be in a position to present its Report; and whether an interim Report may be expected shortly?

Mr. Johnston
I am informed that the Hill Sheep Committee have made substantial progress and hope shortly to be in a position to frame their recommendations. I do not expect to receive an interim Report.

§ Mr. Snadden
In view of the publication of the recent report on forestry, is it not necessary that this Committee should report also, and will the right hon. Gentleman press them to do so?

Mr. Johnston
The fact that the Forestry Commission have published their Report is no reason why I should press this Committee on an entirely different subject prematurely to publish their recommendations.

§ Major McCallum
As the Forestry Commission's Report deals with land normally occupied in hill sheep farming, is there any prospect of having the Hill Sheep Farming Committee's Report before the Forestry Report is discussed?

Mr. Johnston
I understand that arrangements have been made for the Forestry Commission Report to be discussed at an early date. I do not anticipate that the Report of the Committee upon hill sheep farming will be published prior to that discussion.

§ Major McCallum
Why has there been this long delay in the publication of the Report of the Committee?

Mr. Johnston
I do not believe that there has been undue delay. The matter is one of great complexity, and it has involved the Committee in prolonged discussions with numerous interests.