HC Deb 29 April 1952 vol 499 cc1216-7
35. Mr. John MacLeod

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent any of the holdings in the three townships in Ross and Cromarty, for which schemes have been formally approved under the Hill Farming Act, are owned by the Department of Agriculture.

Mr. Snadden

The townships concerned are all in private ownership.

Mr. J. MacLeod

Could my hon. Friend give the names of the townships? Is he satisfied that these schemes are going ahead quickly enough, and does he not think that a great deal more could be done on the township basis under the Hill Farming Act?

Mr. Snadden

As my hon. Friend knows from previous replies, it has never been the custom to make public the names of individuals who are in receipt of subsidies or grants. It would be a breach of confidence to do so. I am sorry, but I cannot give him the names. In regard to the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, things are going on well under the Act.

Mr. MacLeod

I am not asking for the names of individuals but of these townships concerned.

Mr. Snadden

Perhaps, if my hon. Friend were to put that question down, I could give the actual names.