§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, why, of the three technical sections of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland dealing with surveying, inspection and estate management and land settlement, the latter alone is without a technical head; and whether, in view of the importance of the section dealing with estate management and land settlement, particularly in these days of intensified agriculture, he will reconsider the decision not to appoint a technical head?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe three technical sections to which the hon. Member refers are not strictly comparable. As regards the second part of the Question I am satisfied that the existing arrangement under which three divisional land officers, each responsible for a separate area, work in conjunction with an assistant secretary and a chief settlement officer continues to work well in practice. Land settlement does not form part of the Government's scheme for increased food production and my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not being extended in war time.