asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what basis of computation the profits on the estate of Dunragit, Wigtownshire, owned by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland for 1948–49 were arrived at.

The trading profit for Dunragit for the 16 months ended 31st March, 1949, was computed on the value of farm assets as at 31st March, 1949, plus income during the period of accounts, less the value of farm assets as at 1st December, 1947, and expenditure during the period of accounts.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that a completely normal course was followed on this occasion and that there was no tendency at all to exaggerate the value of the assets?

Not at all. As a matter of fact, at the latter date the value of the assets was placed at a lower figure than at the former date.