HC Deb 14 November 1939 vol 353 cc561-2W
Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the crofters unions were invited to appoint representatives to the agricultural committees in the crofting counties; how many crofters are so serving, or how the committees are made up; and how many acres of deer forest have been taken for grazing sheep since the beginning of the present war?

Mr. Colville

Members of the Agricultural Executive Committees were selected primarily on account of their knowledge of localities concerned and not as representatives of particular organisations and accordingly no organisations were invited to nominate members. Over 100 crofters are in fact serving on the committees or sub-committees in the crofting counties.

No recommendations have yet been received from committees for consent to the issue of directions for the use of deer forests for grazing sheep but the committees have this point fully in mind.