HC Deb 10 June 1913 vol 53 cc1411-2
26. Mr. MORTON

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can do anything to induce the Scottish Board of Agriculture to consider the applications for increase of holdings by the crofters at Shinness, Lairg, Sutherland, and other places in the county of Sutherland, which were sent in more than a year back?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

Inquiry has been made in the district of Shinness, Lairg, Sutherlandshire, and while, so far, the Board have not been able to find land for the applicants, they have the matter under consideration.

Mr. MORTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Sutherlandshire alone 380,000 acres were marked by the Royal Commission on Deer Forests as available for small holdings?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of any figures.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that complaints come every day from Ross-shire?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I do not know of any case.

Mr. MORTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to do anything to put the Act, of 1911 into force for the benefit of the people and to stop the emigration and depopulation that is now going on?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The Act is certainly being put rigorously into force. It does not follow that because there is a large margin of possible land in a county that land is suitable for the desires of a particular applicant, because applicants, may desire a particular neighbourhood which does not happen to be available at the moment.

Mr. MORTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the Royal Commission, said it was suitable for that purpose?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

That is not really a reply to my last answer. It may not be suitable for the purpose of these particular applicants.

Sir G. YOUNGER

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of proposing some amending legislation in order that voluntary arrangements shall be placed in the same position as compulsory agreements with regard to compensation?