HC Deb 05 February 1952 vol 495 c790
42. Mr. John MacLeod

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Department of Agriculture is now prepared to carry out the repair work on the holdings at Dounie, Edderton, which his predecessor admitted was the responsibility of his Department as the landlord.

Mr. Snadden

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the question of the repair to the mill-lade and wheel. This matter is at present sub judice before the Scottish Land Court.

Mr. MacLeod

Is my hon. Friend aware that it took many months to persuade the previous Government that this was a responsiblity of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, and that if this had been a private landlord his Department would have insisted that the work should have been done?

Mr. M. MacMillan

Will the Joint Under-Secretary of State disregard the advocacy of less Government expenditure in the interests of the hon. Gentleman himself?

Mr. MacLeod

Is my hon. Friend aware that this repair work would greatly increase agricultural production on those holdings?