§ MR. YOUNGER (Ayr Burghs)To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he can state what is the average poor rate for Scotland; and what have been the poor rates in the parishes of Barvas, Uig, and Lochs, in the Lews, and Tarbert, in Harris, for the years 1885, 1895, 1905, and 1908.
(Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) The average poor rate for Scotland in 1906–7 (the latest year for which statistics are available) was ll½d. per £. The actual poor rates levied were—
§ A number of the tenants are taking advantage of the assistance offered by the Board for building and improving dwellings, and the resale of the estate will be completed as soon as this work is done. It is not the case that the tenants are paying the old rents; they have been paying interest at 3½ per cent, on their purchase-money since November, 1906. The Board have constructed two miles of road to the turf bog, but do not think it necessary to extend the road across the bog. Passages from the turf banks to the road will be cleared and drained.