§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any protests from sheep farmers against the taking over of sheep grazings by the Forestry Commissioners for tree planting purposes; and, if so, what action he intends to take?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.1980W With reference to the second part, I am assured that the Commissioners' policy is to acquire for planting land which can be more profitably used for afforestation than for agricultural and pastoral purposes. Arrangements have been made for the Forestry Commission to notify the Board of Agriculture for Scotland of their proposals to acquire land for afforestation purposes in Scotland, and for discussion between the two Departments, where necessary, before a decision is taken. These arrangements have been consistently carried out.