HC Deb 20 November 1941 vol 376 cc497-8W
Captain McEwen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, apart from any immediate assistance that may be given to the hill sheep farmers, he proposes to institute a comprehensive inquiry into the present position and further prospects of this branch of agriculture in Scotland?

Mr. Johnston

Yes, Sir. After consultation with the former Secretaries of State on the Scottish Council on Post-War Problems, I have appointed a Committee to inquire into the problems of the hill sheep farming industry in Scotland. The terms of reference to the Committee areTo investigate the present position of hill and upland sheep farming in Scotland, and to report what steps should in their opinion be taken with a view to placing this branch of the Scottish farming industry on an economic basis, and in particular to specify measures for improving the condition of hill and upland grazings, the health and hardiness of sheep stocks, system of stocking and management, and marketing methods.

The Committee is constituted as follows: —

  • The Rt. Hon. Lord Balfour of Burleigh—Chairman.
  • William Adair, Esq.
  • Major Sir Robert Brooke, Bart., D.S.O., M.C., D.L.
  • John H. Cranston, Esq.
  • 498
  • William Gallacher, Esq.
  • Maitland Mackie, Esq.
  • Professor T. J. Mackie.
  • Alexander Maitland, Esq., K.C.
  • The Master of Polwarth, D.L.
  • T. G. Wilson, Esq.