asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the fatal accident which occurred at Strathblane, Stirlingshire, when a shepherd and an Ayrshire cow were killed by coming in contact with an electrically live barbed-wire fence; if proper investigation is being made into the matter; and what steps are being taken to prevent such fatalities.

I have been asked to reply. This fatal accident will be the subject of a Fatal Accidents Inquiry under the Fatal Accidents Inquiries (Scotland) Act, 1895. At that inquiry the cause of death and the circumstances of the accident will be fully and publicly investigated by the sheriff.