HC Deb 23 November 1926 vol 200 cc201-2
19. Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether be has yet received the report of the arbiter for the sheep stock valuations at Erribof; and whether he will lay it and the minute of reference to the arbiter with all accompanying instructions upon the Table of the House?

The SECRETARY of STATE, for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

The arbiter's award has not yet been received. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my replies to the questions he addressed to me on Wednesday last.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that when this Report is received we shall be allowed to have all the details that concern this estate, which belongs to the nation and for whose administration this House is responsible?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir. As I have said, I am prepared to give the information after the award has been made.

Mr. MACLEAN

As this estate was purchased origiNally for the purpose of small holdings and has been resold by the Government, surely this House is entitled to know the reasons why it was first purchased and then resold, and the price at which this stock was sold?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Surely we are entitled to; know the terms on which part of a national estate has been sold?

Mr. MACLEAN

Has this estate been sold at a reduced price?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have already answered that point, and it is within the knowledge of the House at what price the estate was sold.

Mr. MACLEAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the price paid for this estate?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think that was given the other day.