Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that as far back as 1883 the Crofters Commission recommended that the island of Foula should be provided with a pier for the benefit of the islanders; that within the last few years' the Permanent Secretary for Scotland visited the island, and that a substantial grant was promised by the Scottish Congested Districts Board for the construction of a pier; that a subscription was started to enable the islanders to find the necessary quota to enable the said grant to be available, to which fund the landlord subscribed; that, since then, the landlord has refused his consent to the scheme; and whether, in consequence of such refusal, if the islanders refuse to pay further rent, the country will be put to the cost of evicting the islanders and finding them maintenance elsewhere?
§ Mr. UREI am aware that there have been local differences in regard to the matter referred to, though I cannot accept my hon. Friend's statement of the case as correct on all points. It is impossible for me to discuss what may happen in hypothetical circumstances.
Mr. CATHCART WASONCan the right hon. Gentleman say in what respect the stated facts are incorrect? I should be very glad if he would give me some information on the point.