§ 99. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that farmers occupying land adjoining planted Forestry Commission lands are now unwilling to undertake burning where it is required on account of the risk involved; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the Forestry Commission give greater assistance where burning takes place.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe risk to plantations if muir fires get out of control is obviously great and foresters have been instructed to co-operate with farmers who are carrying out their statutory obligations. Labour is lent to neighbours to the greatest extent possible and the Commission post their own men on their boundaries. I understand that these arrangements have, in the main, worked satisfactorily.