§ 17. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to prevent farming and forestry interests from purchasing land within sites of special scientific interest in order to propose and to carry out operations which enable them to claim compensation from public funds.
§ Mrs. FennerIt is not the Government's general policy to inhibit the right of individuals or companies to buy land.
§ Mr. HardyDoes the Minister agree that there are grounds for suspecting that projects will be supported by the business expansion scheme seeking funds from the Treasury in a manner of which society could not possibly approve? Does she agree that that approach seems to be based on the experience of Graig Meagaidh in Scotland, which, although outside the Minister's jurisdiction, reveals an unacceptable state of affairs?
§ Mrs. FennerI cannot comment on the latter point, but the Government regard the business expansion scheme as a useful means of encouraging investment in small businesses. It is not primarily aimed at agriculture, but agricultural ventures are welcome. Land of conservation interest is covered by exactly the same safeguards under countryside legislation as any other land not so involved.