§ 13. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the conditions are being observed un which the Land Court permitted Blair Farm, Muir of Ord, to be taken from its previous occupants; whether its present occupant owns another farm; and whether he lives in the farm house of Blair farm?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am informed that the Land Court by Order dated 21st July, 1924, held that the proprietor of the holding mentioned having proved that the holding was his only landed estate, and that he was to reside personally upon it, was entitled to resume the holding for the purpose of personal residence. I have no further information on the subject.
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into this matter, because my information is that this individual is not living on the holding?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI will make inquiries, but I do not think that I have any power to intervene in this case.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this particular holding was taken from a farmer, in whose occupancy it was for many years, in order to give this proprietor the right to occupy it, and that the condition laid down was that he should live in the farmhouse, which, I am informed, he is not doing?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I said, the Court decided this matter, and, the Court having decided it, I have no more jurisdiction.
§ Mr. MACLEANDoes the right hon. Gentleman not bear in mind that the condition laid down by the Court was that this individual must occupy the farm? My question is whether he occupies the farm in accordance with that condition?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIf after inquiry the right hon. Gentleman finds that this individual is living in a hotel, and not in the house on the farm, what action is he going to take?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I have explained, there is no action which I can take.