§ MR. MORTON (Sutherland)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether the Crofters Commission has refused to grant the application of the Durness (Sutherland) crofters for more grazing land; and if so, why; and whether the crofters-referred to require the land for their stock.
§ MR. SINCLAIRI am informed the facts are as follows. Crofters of Durness district applied for a large extent of land forming part of the neighbouring farms of Keoldale and Balnakille. Applications were objected to by the proprietor, Mr. William Ewing Gilmour, and by each of the farm tenants under section 13 (3) (b) of the Act, on the ground that the taking of the land applied for would cause material damage to the letting value of the remainder of each of said farms. After hearing parties and inspecting the subjects the Commissioners were of opinion that the said objection was well founded in point of fact. They therefore sustained the same and dismissed the applications. As regards the last clause of the Question, if crofters restrict their stock to the souming allowed their own land will maintain it. If, on the other hand, they keep excess stock, feeding must be obtained elsewhere.
§ MR. MORTONMay I ask whether there is any way of getting crofters back to the land except by fresh legislation?
§ MR. SINCLAIRI understand not.
§ MR. MORTONIs it not the fact that these crofters who applied for land were overstocked to the extent of 500 head?
§ MR. SINCLAIRI am not sure of the facts. I believe it was the reason for their desiring more land.