MR. J. MCLEOD (Sutherland)I beg to ask the Lord Advocate (1) why the Vote in this year's Estimates in respect of the Lowers granted by Parliament under the West Highlands and Islands Act 1891, has been decreased by nearly one-half as compared with that of last year; and (2) whether he is aware that, in consequence, a large number of works in the form of piers and boatslips, which had received the necessary local sanction, and were awaiting the sanction of the Secretary for Scotland, will now have to be abandoned?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATEAs regards the first part of the hon. Member's question, the Estimates for 1897–98 in respect of public works and communications in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland have been reduced in respect of steamer communication by £1,325, piers, harbours, and minor works by £6,761, roads by £2,550, and administration by £64, leaving the total sum voted at £25,500, as compared with £36,200 for 1896–97. The reply to the second part of the question is that, as the sum of £11,239 taken this year for piers, harbours, and minor works, will have to be devoted to the completion of those works already in course of construction, the Secretary for Scotland regrets that the execution of any fresh works must be postponed for the present.
MR. MCLEODMay I ask the Lord Advocate the reason for this remarkable change of policy on the part of the Scotch Office?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATEI must ask my hon. Friend to put that Question to the Treasury.