§ 81. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Secretary for Scotland, with reference to the estate of 12,000 acres gifted by the Duke of Sutherland of which the annual value of the land and shootings is £475 according to the Valuation Roll for 1914–15, whether he can state from the Valuation Roll how much of the annual value is attributable to the land, so that an estimate may be arrived at of the approximate value of the land on which it is proposed to settle soldiers and sailors?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Tennant)In reply I may be allowed to refer my hon. Friend to my answer of the 17th August on this subject.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I ask for what reason the right hon. Gentleman cannot give me the figures, which must be easily obtainable, without any cost to the Department, from the valuation roll. Is it for the purpose of concealment of the fact that this land is worthless when we arrive at the true rating on it?
§ Mr. TENNANTI quite recognise, as I have indicated, that it might be possible to do what my hon. Friend asks if there was any general desire of the kind. Certainly it is not for the reasons suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEDoes the right hon. Gentleman refuse to answer a question except some general desire is expressed?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEI give notice that, owing to the refusal of the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary for Scotland to give me a reply, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.