HC Deb 16 November 1953 vol 520 cc123-4W
Mr. McNeil

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Hill Lands Commission last met; when it proposes next to meet; how many times the full committee has met in the year ended 31st October, 1953; how many recommendations were made to him; what was their nature; and whether he has accepted such recommendations.

Mr. J. Stuart

The Hill Lands (North of Scotland) Commission last met on 13th August this year and propose to meet again in the early spring. Apart from local visits and surveys by individual members, the Commission since its inception has met as a body on 12 occasions of which two were during the year ended 31st October, 1953. The Commission have been examining all aspects of cattle rearing in the North of Scotland and it was on their recommendation that the hill cattle subsidy was increased to £10 a head. The Commission also recom- mended the introduction of a stirk subsidy, but I was unable to agree to this.

I have had the benefit of the Commission's advice in regard to the development of Glen Forsa Estate, and on their recommendation cattle breeding experiments are being undertaken there. The Commission also recommended the transfer for cattle rearing of certain lands which I held for forestry purposes but, after full consideration of the circumstances, I came to the conclusion that the allocation of this area as between forestry and agriculture which had already been made should be adhered to. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Inverness (Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton) on 10th November, I understand that the Commission are at present considering the terms of a general report which they hope to make to me in the spring.

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