asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that agents of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland bid against each other recently at a sheep sale at Stirling; and if he will issue instructions to prohibit this practice.

I am not aware of such an instance but I shall be glad to have particulars. Instructions already exist to avoid such occurrences.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this took place in September, 1948, when six agents of the Department were bidding against each other?

The noble Lord will appreciate why it was that I was unable to identify the occasion. Now he has stated it, I will make some inquiries. I should be obliged if he could possibly be even more precise.