§ Mr. Peter Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that the national need to prevent good quality agricultural land being lost permanently has been sufficiently emphasised to planning authorities in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerYes. Circulars issued in 1975 and 1977 and the national planning guidelines stress to planning authorities in Scotland the importance of conserving particularly the better quality agricultural land. The guidelines state that there should be a presumption against taking prime quality land from agricultural use.
The Secretary of State may also consider calling in for his own decision any proposal for development which could run counter to national agricultural policy. I should like to take this opportunity to confirm the Government's commitment to this policy of safeguarding agricultural land wherever possible.