§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the remit and function of the Hill Farming Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownThe statutory function of the Hill Farming Advisory Committee for Scotland is to advise the Secretary of State for Scotland on the exercise of his powers under the Hill Farming and Livestock Rearing Acts 1946–59. The Committee's remit has been extended informally to include any other matters relating to hill fanning that may be referred to the Committee by the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish the agendas and items of discussion undertaken by the Hill Fanning Advisory Committee in its 1976 and 1977 meetings; and what written material or reports it has furnished to his Department;
(2) what representations and recommendations have been submitted to him by the Hill Farming Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownThe Committee last met in 1976. At its meeting in 1975, the Committee discussed the implementation of the EEC directive on fanning in less-favoured areas. At its meeting in 1976, the Committee discussed the regulations by which the directive was being implemented in the United Kingdom, and their operation, and the marketing of store cattle in Scotland. The Committee has not produced any written reports on that period. My Department has, however, taken account of the views of members in administering the schemes on which the Committee's advice was sought.