HC Deb 09 July 1946 vol 425 cc59-60W
Mr. Steele

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the Report of the Committee on Farm Buildings for Scotland.

Mr. Westwood

The Scottish Farm Buildings Committee, appointed M August, 1943, to consider and make recommendations regarding the layout, design, and construction of farm buildings after the war, reported to me last September. The report is to be published tomorrow. It contains a wealth of information and guidance, including plans and illustrations, for those about to embark on new or reconstructional work on farms.

There is no doubt that, if full agricultural production is to be secured, and maintained, farm buildings will require to be brought up-to-date. This will entail an extensive programme of rebuilding or modernisation of existing buildings. The erection of farm buildings is subject to licensing by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, and plans for new buildings in Scotland are referred to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland for examination. The position, however, in regard to the supply of building labour and materials is still serious and some time must elapse before the accumulated arrears can be overtaken. Meantime, in considering plans for new work, every opportunity will be taken to ensure that the fullest productive use of available supplies is secured.

The report also contains recommendations which will require examination in conjunction with the recommendations put forward by the Farm Buildings Mission to the United States and Canada who were appointed by my predecessor and his colleague, the then Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and whose report was received last November. I am, in the first place, referring both reports to the Scottish Agricultural Advisory Council for their consideration.

I am also proposing to set up a permanent advisory committee to arrange for the collection, assessment and dissemination of information about farm buildings.