§ Mr. W. Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many days during 1937, 1938 and 1939, the travelling threshing mill attached to the Duthie Experimental Farm has operated in the county of Aberdeenshire; if these operations were at the request of the farmers who used the mill for threshing purposes; what representations have been made to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland protesting against the use of the mill; and whether, in view of the fact that the Rowatt Institute receives financial assistance from the taxpayer, he will, in the future, prevent this form of subsidised competition with local business?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am informed that the portable threshing mill belonging to the Duthie Experimental Stock Farm operated on private farms in Aberdeenshire on 23, days in November and December, 1938, and on 10 days in March and April, 1939. In each case the service was given on the understanding that another mill was not available, and that if the service of the plant had been refused loss to the farmer concerned would have resulted.
The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. Representations against the use of the plant were. 2423W made to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland by two individuals.
As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the Farm Committee of the Institute have decided that in future they should be consulted prior to the use, outside the farm, of any implements or equipment belonging to it. I do not think that any action on my part is called for.