HC Deb 04 June 1951 vol 488 cc81-2W
Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Minister of Agriculture over what matters he has jurisdiction in Scotland; under what enactments he receives these powers; and through what offices they are administered.

Mr. T. Williams

I have jurisdiction in Scotland over all matters relating to diseases of animals, and for the payment of subsidy towards the cost of acquiring and transporting lime for use on agricultural land, and I am also responsible for the ordnance survey of Scotland. I derive these powers from the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950, which consolidated previous legislation; Section 97 of the Agriculture Act, 1947, which continued the powers of Section 1 of the Agriculture Act, 1937, in respect of the Agricultural Lime Subsidy: and the Ordnance Survey Act, 1841, as amended and made permanent by the Expiring Laws Act, 1922.

Diseases of animals are dealt with through 19 Divisional Veterinary Offices in Scotland and the Branch Office of the Headquarters Division in Edinburgh. The agricultural lime subsidy is paid from the Ministry's office at St. Annes-on-Sea, and work in the field is covered by a regional technical officer stationed at Edinburgh assisted by three assistant technical officers. The ordnance survey field work in Scotland is administered through a divisional office at Edinburgh.