§ 18. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that certain owners of deer forests 1095 in Scotland for valuable consideration grant leave and licence to persons to shoot and take deer at times, and in a manner, contrary to the interests of the other owners of deer forests, the deer herds and the people of Scotland; and if he will take immediate steps to stop these practices.
§ Mr. SnaddenNo specific cases of this kind have been brought to my right hon. Friend's notice, although he has received representations in general terms that some improper shooting of deer takes place. The right to kill deer is vested in the owners of land, and my right hon. Friend has no power to interfere.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Minister accept my assurance that I have received intimations of such cases, and will he agree that these enormous herds, which are a handicap to Scotland, should be diminished or, in fact, eliminated by humane methods rather than by the methods indicated in the Question, so that their places can be taken by Highland cattle, which would be an asset to the people of Scotland?