§ 27. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that several important little harbours round the North and East Coasts of Scotland are falling rapidly into decay, and that the livelihood of many fishing communities is thereby threatened; and whether he proposes to institute a survey of these harbours and to undertake a programme of repair work?
§ Captain ELLIOTThe responsibility for maintaining such harbours rests on the authorities in whom they are vested, but, in the case of a scheme of improvement which would be beneficial to the fishing or other industry, it is open to 1081 the authority to apply, through the usual channels, for a Grant-in-Aid. In the circumstances, my right hon. Friend does not propose to institute such a survey as is suggested in the question.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRIs not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in many cases it is not known in what authority these harbours are vested, that sometimes the land has gone back to the owner, and that there is a real need for taking these harbours in a certain order and making a certain programme for dealing with the whole of them, since otherwise they will fall into complete decay?
§ Captain ELLIOTThat seems to be a different question from the one on the Paper. It suggests that we should inquire into the ownership in which the harbours are vested, and I should require notice of such a question.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRIt is with a view to repairing them.
§ 35. Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary for Scotland the number of piers that have been closed in the West Highlands and Islands since 1914?
§ Captain ELLIOTSo far as my right hon. Friend is aware, only two piers, Lochboisdale Pier, South Uist, and Easdale Pier, Argyll, have been closed to all traffic in the Western Highlands and Islands since 1914.
§ Mr. EVERARDWill the hon. Gentleman consider reducing the number of piers so that the answer to this question may have a little variation week by week?