§ 13. Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the intentions and plans of the Scottish Department of Agriculture for shelter belt afforestation in the Outer Hebrides in the interests of agricultural development, including crop protection and provision of shelter for livestock; and when work is to begin.
§ Mr. WoodburnThe establishment of shelter belts is one of the improvements which may be included in Rehabilitation Schemes under the Hill Farming Act, 1946, and my Department are ready to consider any improvement schemes, including provision for shelter belts, which may be submitted to them by owners or tenants in the Outer Hebrides. Assistance can only be given where the shelter belts form part of a comprehensive hill farm rehabilitation scheme.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs it not possible and desirable for the Department of Agriculture for Scotland to undertake this work themselves on their own estates in the Islands?
§ Mr. WoodburnYes, Sir, but it would require to be part of the general scheme.