§ 17. Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary for Scotland when Lochboisdale pier will be reopened?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI regret that I cannot say when this pier, which was closed in 1924 by the instructions of its proprietrix, will be reopened. During the past month I have been in communication with the proprietrix and have renewed the previous offer of assistance to her from the Board of Agriculture in the hope that she would see her way to reopen the eastern part of the pier. She has not, however, seen her way to agree to that proposal. It has been suggested by the proprietrix and the Parish Council of South Uist that the pier might be taken over by the latter as a gift under the provisions of Section 24 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1894. I should be prepared to consider whether the Board of Agriculture could be authorised in that event to provide initially such necessary fencing and such minor repairs on the part of the pier which is to be used as, in the Board's opinion, may be required to secure public safety. But it is a matter for the parish council to consider the competency and expediency of taking over, maintaining and managing the pier under the provision mentioned.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONECan the right hon. Gentleman not tell the House now whether the parish council has the power to keep it open? Surely he can make an inquiry.
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, that is a matter of legal opinion.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEOn a point of Order. Am I entitled to ask the Minister whether he has inquired whether the local authority, to whom he is offering the pier, has the power to keep it open?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not offering the pier.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEMy right hon. Friend is offering to repair part of the pier.