HC Deb 04 December 1951 vol 494 c2206
31. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the amount of land which could be reclaimed and made suitable for agricultural purposes by the carrying out of a comprehensive scheme of drainage throughout Scotland.

Mr. J. Stuart

The estimate given in the Report of the Land Drainage (Scotland) Committee published last year is about 200,000 acres, that is, about 5 per cent. of the arable area of the country.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

In view of the importance of increasing home food production, will my right hon. Friend ensure that the inauguration of such a comprehensive drainage scheme is given a high priority?

Mr. Stuart

Yes, Sir. I think I referred to it earlier, but I hope it may be possible to initiate discussions with local authorities and other organisations at an early date.