§ 10. Sir R. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the incidence of calf mortality in the north-east of Scotland is high; and what special research is being conducted by his Department in regard to this matter.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonI am aware that the incidence of calf mortality in the north-east of Scotland is unduly high. There has been an increase in the numbers of farmers undertaking calf rearing in this area, and the advisory officers of the Agricultural College are intensifying their efforts to improve the methods of calf rearing among the farmers concerned.
§ Sir R. BoothbyAre the Government aware of any particular cause of this calf mortality, or does it lie, in their opinion, largely through the inexperience of farmers in raising calves?
§ Mr. MacphersonAt the moment there is no evidence of any particular cause, and, as I have said, the advisory officers are doing their best to raise the standards of agriculture generally.