§ 34. Sir David Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of schemes he has embarked upon since 30th June for the recovery of lost agricultural land.
§ Mr. WoodburnTwenty-five arterial drainage schemes initiated since 30th June will result in the improvement of some 1,900 acres of agricultural land at present in a low state of productivity. In addition, I have since that date approved 1,597 applications from proprietors and tenants for 50 per cent. grants to help them with land drainage works estimated to cost £240,000. Agricultural executive committees have been asked to examine whether there are acreages in their areas which might be considered for reclamation in terms of Section 57 of the Agriculture (Scotland) Act, 1948.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs it not obvious from that reply that the Minister is not replying to the Question I put on the Order Paper? May I ask him whether he recalls the words he used in the important Scottish Economic Debate on 30th June, when he said that at that moment he was considering land reclamation free of cost to the land owner or to the tenant? It is those schemes about which I am inquiring.
§ Mr. WoodburnIf the hon. Member will put down a specific Question on that point I will endeavour to answer it.