§ 57. Mr. T. Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the expenditure incurred on the provision of deer fencing in Scotland by the Forestry Commission in the past 10 years.
§ Mr. MaclayThe Commission's records of expenditure on fencing do not normally distinguish between deer fencing and other kinds of fencing. They are, however, making local inquiries with a view to arriving at an estimate of their expenditure on deer fencing. I will notify the hon. Member of the estimate as soon as it is available.
§ 58. Mr. T. Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate has been made of the damage to Forestry Commission plantations in Scotland caused by the depredations of red deer in the past 10 years.
§ Mr. MaclayThe Commission has made no precise estimate but it considers that little damage has been caused. Where26W there is risk of serious damage by deer the plantations are fenced against them until the trees are old enough to withstand damage.