§ 21. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to acquire Ben Nevis for afforestation with a view to its ultimate use as a forest park.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. McNair Snadden)The Forestry Commission have already planted parts of the lower slopes of Ben Nevis. If and when other parts suitable for afforestation become available, they will be considered for acquisition.
§ Lord Malcolm Douglas-HamiltonWould my hon. Friend not agree that Ben Nevis, our highest mountain, is a great asset to the British Isles; is he not aware that there used to be a track going up Ben Nevis, with several bridges which crossed burns, and that these bridges have fallen into very great disrepair, giving a bad impression to tourists; and does he not think that acquisition by the Forestry Commission would be one way of putting this right?
§ Mr. SnaddenAs I have said, we will consider any lands that become available, but, of course, sheep interests are involved, and I should imagine that my hon. Friend would have that in mind too.