asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the serious position of farmers in the North of Scotland owing to heavy indebtedness and lack of profitability, he will introduce measures to assist them.

There was a substantial improvement in net farming incomes throughout Scotland in 1981, largely as a result of Government action. the steps taken to improve the situation in the livestock sector through the introduction of the sheepmeat regime and increases in direct income subsidies have been particularly beneficial in the Highlands and Islands.