HC Deb 15 August 1916 vol 85 cc1629-30
13. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state what is now being taken as the annual value for rating purposes of the estate of 12,000 acres offered by the Duke of Sutherland as a gift to the State, distinguishing be tween the annual value for rating purposes of the fishing rights, which are reserved by the Duke for himself and his successors, and the annual value for rating purposes of the property proposed to be gifted; whether there are any buildings or other improvements on that property; if so, whether they are included in the gift or on what terms they are to be taken over; and whether the State is undertaking any obligations as to the construction of the proposed light railway on another portion of the Duke's property?

Mr. TEN NANT

According to the Valuation Roll for 1914–15, the annual value of the land and shootings is £475, and the annual value of the fishings reserved by the Duke is £180. The buildings on the property are included in the gift, and consist of the shooting-lodge and offices, a farm steading, and five dwelling-houses. There is no obligation to construct a light railway, but the Duke has granted a way- leave for such a railway over his adjoining property should it be required for the purposes of the land now gifted.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, if this assessment gives a correct estimate of the value of the land, is not the land on that basis worthless, or is it because it is under-assessed?

Mr. TENNANT

I really am at a loss to understand what operates in the mind of the hon. Member which makes him desire to detract from an honourable, a generous and a munificent gift, trying to make out that we, the recipients, are not the real persons who are advantaged by it.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

In making that statement is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the assessment he has given shows the land is worth less than £1 an acre, and is it on land like that he proposes to put the Scottish soldiers?

Mr. TENNANT

If the Noble Duke happens to be the possessor of land which is not so valuable as other land yet chooses to give it to the State, surely we are not to look a gift-horse in the mouth.