§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the area of land in Scotland devoted to deer in 1919, and how much of it was capable of use 1246W for agricultural purposes; what are the corresponding figures for 31st December, 1938, or last convenient date; how many acres of such land have been ploughed to date in connection with the present effort to increase foodstuffs; and how many acres it is intended will be ploughed before seed time 1940?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe estimated area of deer forests in Scotland in 1920 was 3,432,385 acres. No figures are available for 1919. The corresponding figure at 4th June, 1938, was 3,349,141 acres. Stock is grazed on this land to a considerable extent.
As the hon. and learned Member will be aware, the task of securing an increase in cultivation in suitable areas for the harvest of 1940 is in the hands of the recently appointed agricultural executive committees, who have power, subject to my approval, to give directions with respect to the management or use of deer forests. It is too early as yet for the committees to have formulated all their plans, but very little of the deer forest area is likely to be suitable for ploughing and the growing of crops.