HC Deb 06 July 1909 vol 7 cc1015-6
Mr. WEIR

asked, having regard to the fact that there are 20,000 acres of farm lands in the island of Lewis not under lease, will the right hon. Gentleman state whether, in response to the applications made by the Congested Districts Board, Major Matheson, the proprietor of the island, has assigned any reason for refusing to break up these lands into new holdings; and, if so, will he state briefly its nature?

Mr. URE

My hon. Friend was informed on November 9th, 1908, in answer to a question in this House, 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. That is all the information which I have upon the subject.

Mr. WEIR

Are we to understand that the proprietor positively refuses to break up this 20,000 acres so that people may get access to the land?

Mr. URE

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given.

Mr. HENRY A. WATT

Would the rent not be larger from the tenants if the land were broken up than from one farm?

Mr. URE

I cannot say. The Crofters' Commission have not yet considered the question.

Mr. WEIR

Will the Lord Advocate have some inquiry made into this matter? The people are dying of starvation there.