HC Deb 08 February 1949 vol 461 cc180-1
25. Mr. Snadden

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal by the Corporation of the City of Glasgow to clear part of the catchment area of Loch Katrine of sheep and to give the land over to afforestation; whether he has considered the representations made to him on the matter by the Central Agricultural Executive Committee; and whether he has made any decision to condone this loss of food production or to utilise his powers under the Agriculture (Scotland) Act, 1948.

Mr. Woodburn

Yes, Sir. I am advised, however, that the standards normally applied in determining whether grazing land should be diverted to afforestation favour forestry on this particular part of the catchment area, and I felt that I could not therefore object to the proposal.

Mr. Snadden

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, at a time when we face a meat famine and the Government are appealing for more meat for the country, to wipe out 1,000 sheep is sure to shake agricultural confidence in the Government's appeal?

Mr. Woodburn

In this particular area a great many special features had to be taken into account. I was advised both by my agricultural and by my forestry advisers and the balance in this case lay in favour of afforestation.

Major Ramsay

Will the Minister consider publishing the nature of those considerations?

Mr. Snadden

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether they were grounds of public health or otherwise?

Mr. Woodburn

Partly.