HC Deb 16 June 1953 vol 516 cc724-5
40. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will introduce legislation to amend the Hill Farming and Livestock Rearing (Scotland) Acts so that where grazing grounds are accessible only by water the cost of providing boats can come under the Act.

Mr. Snadden

I appreciate the difficulties and the enterprise shown in developing grazing grounds to which there is access by water only, but I am afraid there could be no prospects of an amendment of the Livestock Rearing Act as suggested.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

May I ask my hon. Friend whether, apart from the Benula grazing grounds, particulars of which he has, there are not thousands of acres of grazing land in Scotland which could be used for livestock rearing, if such access were possible?

Mr. Snadden

I quite appreciate what the noble Lord has in mind, but the suggestion made in this Question is alien to the provisions of the Act, which are designed to give grants in respect of the improvement of the static things about a farm, and not of expendable machinery. We have to bear that in mind.

Mr. Manuel

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a problem which arises mainly in Western Scotland, and, while he has told the House about the difficulties under the present Act, could he not consider discussing with his right hon. Friend the question of the Department of Agriculture supplying craft suitable for the conveyance of livestock to these islands offshore, which would be a great help to the West Coast?

Mr. Snadden

That is a different question, but I will take note of it.