§ 71. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applicants for small holdings residing in Skye have been offered small holdings in Ross-shire (mainland); how many have accepted the offer; and the extent of ground which has been used?
§ Sir JOHN GILMOUREighteen Skye applicants have at one time or another been offered specific holdings on the mainland of Ross. Six declined and the remaining 12 have actually been settled on holdings extending to 279 acres of arable and pasture in individual occupation, with shares in common grazings of 3,247 acres.
§ Mr. MACLEANMay I ask how many of these people have been settled recently, that is, within the last two or three years?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI cannot give that information without making inquiry.
§ Mr. MACLEANCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why he is bringing people from the Island of Skye and giving them small holdings on the mainland, and sending people from the mainland to small holdings in Skye?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe policy of the Department is to give the best chance to individuals and if they do not wish to go outside they cannot be compelled to do so.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not the case that there is land available in the Island of Skye for small holdings which might be offered to the people who have been born and bred on the island, and that there is land available on the mainland of Ross-shire for small holdings which could be offered to the people born and bred on the mainland? Will he not go into this matter and see that this interchange does not go on, as it costs money to the Department?