Mr. McKieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement regarding the case of Mr. Hill, of Whit-horn, Wigtownshire, against whom the Department of Agriculture for Scotland is instituting proceedings.
§ Mr. Westwood:By direction dated 12th January, 1944, Messrs. P. G. and J. J. Hill, the occupiers of Baltier Farm, Whithorn, Wigtownshire, were instructed by the Agricultural Executive Committee for Wigtownshire to put not less than 108 acres under crop for harvest in 1944. This direction was not fully complied with and the Committee found it necessary in exercise of the powers under Defence Regulation 50, to enter on the land and undertake the work which Messrs. Hill had failed to perform The cost of the work undertaken by the Committee amounting to£151 16s. 9d., was recoverable in terms of Section 6 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous War Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 1940. In default of payment I recently authorised legal action for recovery, but settlement of the debt was effected in full on 25th March, before the case was due to be called in Court.