HC Deb 23 May 1939 vol 347 cc2113-4W
Mr. Leonard

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in assuring that the land of Scotland now used to support deer and other forms of game will be available for national food requirements in the event of an emergency; the amount of land still used for the former purposes; and of that amount, what is the estimated requirement for emergency circumstances?

Mr. Colville

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the statement as to the Government's plans for bringing about an expansion of food production in time of war which was made

and the total amount paid in each case and price per acre?

Mr. Colville

Following is the answer:

by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on the 3rd May. In answer to the second part, the area of deer forests in Scotland, according to returns made as at 4th June, 1938, was 3,349,141 acres, on a considerable proportion of which stock is grazed. I have no information as to land wholly devoted to other game. As regards the last part, it is not possible to make any reliable estimate of the extent to which production from land of the type referred to could be increased under emergency conditions.