§ Mr. WATTasked the Lord Advocate whether any of the Vatersay squatters were allowed to remain in possession of their holdings for a year or more and have recently been removed by the Congested Districts Board; if so, will he say for what reasons they were considered unsuitable to remain on the land?
§ Mr. UREAs the applicants for holdings on Vatersay are more numerous than the holdings available, it was inevitable that a selection should be made and that some should be rejected. In selecting, the Congested Districts Board had regard to relative fitness as judged by such considera- 614 tions as good character, industry, experience and ability to equip, stock, and cultivate a holding. Ten of the Vatersay squatters were rejected, among others, and have been informed by the Congested Districts Board that they cannot obtain holdings. My hon. Friend is, of course, under a misapprehension if he suggests that the Congested Districts Board allowed them to remain in possession for a year or more.