§ Mr. Ernie RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when his Land Reform Policy Group plans to consult on its work. [30916]
§ Mr. DewarI am pleased to announce that tomorrow the Land Reform Policy Group is issuing its first consultation paper.
The Group, chaired by my noble Friend the Minister for Agriculture, the Environment and Fisheries, is undertaking an assessment of proposals for land reform in rural Scotland. Excellent progress has been made since the Group was established last October, and its first consultation paper seeks views on what are the most significant problems and issues in relation to land reform. In the summer, the Group will consult again on what are the best solutions. I know that these are issues that raise great interest and concern in Scotland and I hope that as many people as possible will take the opportunity to respond.