§ Mr. J. D. WHITE (Dumbartonshire)To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the price paid for that portion of Ailsa Craig which now belongs to the Commmissioners of Northern Lights; when and from whom that portion was purchased, and whether it was purchased under compulsory powers; whether the Commissioners have the right of quarrying for stone for commercial purposes on that portion; whether on that portion such quarrying is commercially practicable; and what are approximately the areas of that portion and of the rest of the island.
(Answered by Mr. Kearley.) The price paid for the portion of Ailsa Craig acquired by the Northern Lights Commissioners was £1,550. It was purchased under compulsory powers from the Marquess of Ailsa in 1883. The question of the Commissioners' right to quarry for stone has not been raised, but I am informed that such quarrying is not commercially practicable. The total area of the Commissioners portion of the island is 4 acres, 3 roods, 21½ poles, with certain water rights and way leaves, and the total area of the island is believed to be between 200 and 250 acres.