33. Mr. Alasdair Meckenzieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the Government's policy for a shift of the sheep flocks towards the hills and uplands, if he will conduct a survey into the potential for expansion from the hills and uplands of the Highlands.
§ Mr. BuchanNo, Sir. The Hill Lands Improvement Scheme and the work of the Hill Farming Advisory Committee, the Hill Farming Research Organisation and the Highlands and Islands Development Board can meet the needs of the situation.
Mr. MackenzieAs it appears that the Forestry Commission is re-examining its proposals for planting in the Highlands 1525 and going into the economics of afforestation, is not this an appropriate time to carry out a general survey of the potential of agriculture and forestry in the Highlands?
§ Mr. BuchanWhere special problems arise, special surveys are carried out. One thinks of the Highlands and Islands Development Board surveys in certain areas. As regards afforestation, there is close liaison on this and the related problems between the two Departments involved and the Highlands and Islands Development Board.
§ Mr. MaclennanAs an example of a survey carried out the results of which have not been made public, will my hon. Friend say what has happened to the plan for the Strath of Kildonan? The non-production of this plan is causing great annoyance in my constituency.
§ Mr. BuchanThe Board has not yet put its proposals in that connection to my right hon. Friend.