asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many county committees have been formed in Scotland for the purpose of increasing food production; and whether he can make a statement with regard to progress made?

In Scotland 40 agricultural executive committees were appointed on 4th September, the day after the outbreak of war. All these committees are at work, and up to the present have been mainly concerned with matters of organisation and with making plans for the performance of their duties during this autumn and the coming winter.

Do the powers of those county committees include power to take over land which was not cultivated previously but is capable of being cultivated?

Wide powers rest with the Secretary of State, who may use the committees in connection with the exercise of these powers.