§ 46. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that several ex-service men applied for holdings at the village of Sandwick, outside Stornoway, about two years ago, and that the land in question was cultivated until 20 years ago, but is now overgrown with rushes and wild grass; and whether he proposes to take any steps to permit this land to be cultivated?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no information as to the past or present condition of the land. It consists of parks which could only be made available for land settlement by agreement with the proprietors who, on being approached by the Board, declined to agree to the scheme proposed. The applicants were informed accordingly. A year ago inquiry was made by 20 applicants at Sandwick as to whether in the event of the proprietors granting permission for the breaking-up of the parks the Board would grant them loans for the erection of buildings. The Board replied that they would be prepared to consider favourably applications for limited loans for the purpose, but no further communication has been received by them on the subject.