§ 31. Major W. J. Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that his authority to safeguard Scottish food production will not be prejudiced by the transfer of opencast coal from the Ministry of Fuel and Power to the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. J. StuartYes, Sir. The Ministerial responsibility for deciding whether particular areas should be worked for opencast coal and, if so, how food production and other interests are to be safeguarded will continue as hitherto.
§ Major Anstruther-GrayMay I take it that my right hon. Friend will still have powers to prevent the best agricultural and market gardening land in Scotland from being used for purposes other than the producing of vital food?
§ Mr. StuartCertainly, my desire is to safeguard all our best agricultural land.