§ 8. Mr. Snaddenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far arrangements have been made to implement the major recommendations of the committee on the reorganisation of the hill sheep industry.
§ Mr. T. JohnstonI am glad to be able to say that recent discussions with the various interests concerned have shown a large measure of agreement with the major recommendations of the Committee's Report, particularly with those bearing on the rehabilitation of hill sheep farms, and I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, as to action which might usefully be taken. I may also refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given to-day to a Question on the issue of wool marketing.
§ Major McCallumIs the Secretary of State aware of the great anxiety and worry that are caused to hill sheep farmers throughout Scotland and would-be tenants of hill sheep farms, owing to the uncertainty of action or no action on this Report?
§ Mr. JohnstonThere is no justification whatever for any anxiety as to non-action in the matter. We set up the Committee; we have done everything we can to stimulate agreement by the various interests in the matter, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that action will be taken.