§ 2.35 p.m.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state the number of cases that have been brought to their attention of sheep and cattle stealing respectively in Scotland in each of the years from 1956 to 1959.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD CRAIGTON)My Lords, no cases of alleged sheep stealing were brought to the attention of my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland in 1956 or 1957, two in 1958 and one in 1959. No cases of cattle stealing were brought to his attention between 1956 and 1959. As a result of disquiet among their members, the National Farmers' Union of Scotland recently made representations, unsupported by particular cases. They are now seeking detailed information from their Area Committees.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I am very grateful to the noble Lord for his Answer, which shows, does it not, the inherent honesty of the folk of Scotland.
§ LORD CRAIGTONMy Lords, I am glad that the noble Viscount has drawn that conclusion.