HC Deb 12 May 1925 vol 183 cc1659-60
30. Mr. MAXTON

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is taking any steps to have the sunken ships raised which are now blocking the entrance to the harbour for the fishermen of the Island of Burray?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY(Mr. Davidson)

I have been asked to reply. The answer is in the negative, and I have nothing to add to the full reply on this matter given by my predecessor to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland on the 25th July last.

Mr. MAXTON

Am I to understand that the Admiralty refuse to do anything to make it possible for these men to earn their living in comparative safety?

Sir ROBERT HAMILTON

Is there anything in the answer which will prevent me presenting a petition on behalf of the inhabitants of the Island of Burray?

Mr. DAVIDSON

The answer to the hon. Member's question is that the experts sent to examine these wrecks came to the conclusion that there would be greater danger in attempting to remove them than exists at present.

Mr. BOOTHBY:

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that an investigation was made about six months ago, and that very different conclusions were reached compared with those reached in 1922, and that this has been a burning question now for three years?

Mr. MAXTON

Is this answer dictated by the fact that there are only 590 poor people on this island, and if this had occurred where there was a large commercial population interested these ships would have been removed long ago?

Mr. DAVIDSON

Certainly not.