Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland whether after repeated efforts the parish council of Kincardine O'Neil failed to obtain by agreement ground at Annesley for the Torphins allotment holders; whether, as a result of the failure of these negotiations, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, in terms of the Allotments (Gompulsory Leasing) Regulations, 1920, prepared an Order in respect of the ground at Annesley desired by the parish council for allot- 776W ments; whether he is aware that the parish council has been put to considerable expense in connection with the Order; and whether it is proposed to issue a compulsory Order in respect of the ground at Annesley?
§ Mr. MUNROThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland have offered to refund to the parish council the cost of advertising the proposed Order. As regards the last part of the question, as the estate has offered immediate lease of alternative ground which in the opinion of the district agricultural committee and the Board's inspector is suitable, the Board do not feel justified in issuing a compulsory Order.