§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has made any decision on the future of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland's crofting estates; and what representations he has received on the issue.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe future of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland's crofting estates is currently under review. My noble Friend the Minister of State has had some discussions with the Crofters Commission and with the Scottish Crofters Union but as yet no proposals for change have been put forward and none will be undertaken before full consultation has taken place with all interested bodies.