§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that the island of North Uist is at present advertised for sale, and having regard to its suitability for the settlement of a crofter population, His Majesty's Government will take steps, by purchasing the island, to provide small holdings for the landless thereon.
§ MR. SINCLAIRThe funds at the disposal of the Congested Districts Board after the large purchases effected by them in recent years are not sufficient to admit of the course suggested by the hon. Member, even if desirable on other grounds. He is no doubt aware that with the co-operation of the Congested Districts Board several new crofter settlements have lately been formed, and that a large portion of the island is already in crofter occupation.
§ CAPTAIN CRAIG (Down, E.)How much would it take to purchase this island?
§ MR. SINCLAIRI do not know.
§ CAPTAIN CRAIGWould it not be a splendid opportunity to give effect to the intentions of the Government regarding small holdings at a reasonable cost?
§ MR. SINCLAIRI can add nothing to my Answer.