§ 27. Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether the offer of the Government to accept liability for any damage to persons or property if the proprietrix would agree to the re-opening of Lochboisdale Pier is still open; and whether the owner of the pier gives any good reason for refusing the offer?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe Government are still prepared to give such a guarantee against liability in respect of the eastern part of the pier if there is reason to believe that that course would secure its re-opening. The owner's reasons for refusing the previous offer of a guarantee were indicated in the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on the 18th December, and in the previous answer to which I then referred.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEIn view of the great loss which the people of that island are now sustaining through the closing of this pier, will the right hon. Gentle- 1282 man say now what steps they can take in order to get a reduction of their rents?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am aware of the great inconvenience caused to the inhabitants of this district, and I still hope that some accommodation in regard to the opening of the pier may yet be reached.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEMay I have an answer to my question, as to what steps the people can take to have the rents of their holdings reduced, in order to make up for the loss caused by the closing of the pier by the owner?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat is not a matter which arises out of the original question, nor is it one which is relevant to that question.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEAre the Government unwilling to help these people to get the pier re-opened?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have indicated that the Government are prepared to renew the offer they previously made, and are making full investigations.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEThis means that the Government are helpless in the matter.