§ Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of his estimate that about 50,000 acres of agricultural land in Scotland are likely to be taken out of productive use during the next 10 years and that three-quarters of all agricultural land in Scotland consists of rough grazing, he will take steps to ensure that the taking of good quality farmland for other purposes will be limited to the minimum compatible with the national interest.
§ Mr. RossAs the hon. Gentleman knows, I have declined to venture any such estimate. The needs of agriculture are one of the considerations which must be taken into account in the national interest when development is projected, and the Government will continue to give due weight to them.