§ 14. Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to amend the law governing the right to cut peat.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy right hon. Friend has no proposals to change the present position.
§ Mr. MaclennanBut is not the Minister aware that there is great uncertainty about the present position and that there is some anxiety that the cupidity of landlords in the Highlands may lead to their seeking to take advantage of this uncertainty to abridge unilaterally or alter the peat-cutting rights of crofters customarily enjoyed over generations?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI appreciate that the hon. Gentleman has drawn a specific case to my notice on which I cannot advise because of the legal implications. I am not aware of any general demand for a change. If the hon. Gentleman has evidence of a general demand for a change, I shall be glad to hear from him.
§ Mr. MaclennanIn his review of crofting law, and before he brings forward next Session proposals for amendment of the law, will the hon. Gentleman consider bringing this matter under review by the Government?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am prepared to look at that point, but I would require evidence to see whether there was any need for a change. I have had no evidence so far, even from the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. Clark HutchisonCan my hon. Friend tell me roughly what the law is on this subject? Could I go and cut peat if I wanted to?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIt would perhaps take a long time to explain the law, but basically the crofter has a right to cut peat on his own croft and sometimes, by custom, on other areas of the estate in which his croft is situated. In other instances the landlord can grant privileges to crofters and others to cut peat in particular places.