§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)To ask the Secretary for Scotland, having regard to the fact that the families of the landless cottars in the Island of Lewis represent a population of 7,500, equivalent to 25 per cent. of the inhabitants, and that there are 19,631 acres of farm lands in the island, not under lease, the bulk of which were scheduled by the Deer Forest Commissioners as suitable for new holdings, and that on 21st July last he undertook to ascertain the views of the proprietor as to the expediency of breaking up these farms for occupation by the people, will he now state the result of his inquiry.
(Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) I am informed that, in view of the heavy burden of local taxation in the Lewis, the proprietor is not willing to consider any proposals which might possibly have the effect of increasing expenditure or local burdens.