§ Ms Roseanna CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress made so far by his Land Reform Unit; what meetings this unit has held; from which bodies or individuals it has (i) sought and (ii) received evidence on land reform; and when he expects to publish the unit's interim findings. [24568]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 26 January 1998]: The Land Reform Policy Group is making excellent progress and has held three meetings so far. It will be consulting widely: next month about what the most significant problems and issues are; and then in the summer on the best solutions.
The group is also drawing on the large body of literature produced on land matters, including the Scottish Land Commission report which has been sent to me.
I expect the group's final report by the end of this year.
§ Ms Roseanna CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the establishment of a Scottish land convention to prepare legislation for the Scottish Parliament for the reform of Scotland's land laws; what is his policy on the creation of a Scottish land convention; and if he will make a statement. [24566]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 26 January 1998]: None.
In fulfilment of our Manifesto commitment, the Land Reform Policy Group, chaired by my noble Friend, the Minster of Agriculture, the Environment and Fisheries, has been established to identify and assess proposals for land reform in rural Scotland taking account of their cost, 176W legislative and administrative implications and their likely impact on the social and economic development of rural communities and on the natural heritage.