HC Deb 22 April 1907 vol 172 c1421
MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALD (Leicester)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the action of Mr. Coates, the proprietor of the Glenbana estate, Aboyne, in turning tenants out of paying farms in order to extend the area of deer forests, and of Mr. Heaven, a neighbouring landlord, who is extending the area of grass on his estate and destroying houses, in order to preserve game and give opportunity for rabbit shooting; and whether the Government propose to take such action as will immediately prevent rural depopulation by such policies as those pursued by Mr. Coates and Mr. Heaven.

MR. SINCLAIR

I have no information as to the statements made by the hon. Gentleman. With regard to the intention of the Government on matters relating to rural depopulation I may refer him to the Small Landholders Bill now before the House.

MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALD

Is the right hon. Gentleman unable to get any information as to what is going on in this district?

[No Answer was returned.]