§ Mr. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the serious encroachments of bracken in the outer islands of Argyllshire, Berwickshire, Ross-shire and Sutherlandshire; whether he is aware that the total grant given for the eradication of bracken during the year 1936 was £9 5s. for each of these counties; whether this £9 5s. is to be spread over three years; and whether he will consider schemes for the allocation of grants for hand-cutting of bracken more suitable to hill territory?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware that bracken has increased on many pastoral farms in the counties mentioned, as in others. The grants offered in 1936, which represent half the purchase price of machines and are spread over a period of three years, amounted to £194 15s. in Argyll (including one of £9 5s. in an island) and 5s. in each of the counties of Berwick, Ross and Cromarty, and Sutherland. During the present year grants have been offered amounting to £296 in Argyll and to £42 10S. in each of the counties of Berwick and Sutherland. With regard to the last part of the question grants to hill farmers for the general eradication of one kind of weed alone would not, so far as I have seen any practical proposals, be justified.