§ 20. Sir David Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why two senior inspectors chose Sunday, 25th September, to visit Brabsterdorran Mains Farm without prior notice; and why they failed to disclose their presence to the farmer or her grieve in view of the importance of the visit which resulted in the hill cattle subsidy being withdrawn.
Mr. McNeilI understand that the inspectors in question called on the farm grieve on Saturday, 24th September, when visibility happened to be poor. On Sunday, 25th, when the weather had cleared, they viewed the land. I am sorry if the farmer's susceptibilities have been outraged by these proceedings. Of course, no discourtesy was intended.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs the right hon. Gentleman wholly satisfied that this visit took place, because the farmer, her family and her staff—and her dogs—were all there and they allege that on this flat Caithness plateau no one could possibly go in there in daylight without being seen? Is he aware that there is a widespread belief in Caithness among the agricultural community that the visit did not take place?
Mr. McNeilI have interviewed the officer myself and I have already written to the hon. Gentleman. I am, therefore, quite certain that the hon. Gentleman will play his part in disabusing the minds of the Caithness community of this misapprehension.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs it not a fact that I have had to dig out this information over a long period of time from an apparently reluctant Department, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I share the views of the agricultural community there?
Mr. McNeilWell, Sir, I am quite certain that the visit took place and I am also quite certain that the land, as I have already explained to the hon. Gentleman, does not qualify, and, of course, that is the real grievance, not the visit.