§ 75. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he still refuses to consider applicants for holdings when the landlord, with the consent of the Government, has obtained a conviction against them for breach of interdict; and on what authority, under the Small Landholders Acts, his refusal is based?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)I am still of opinion that persons who have been guilty of taking illegal possession of land must be excluded from consideration. The exclusion of raiders is not merely a question of interpretation of statutory powers and rights but of policy in relation to satisfactory administration.
§ 79. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of married ex-service applicants in Harris awaiting settlement on holdings; how long they have been waiting; and how many of them are to be settled on the farm of Scarristaveg?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am making inquiry on the first two parts of the question; and perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to put it down again next week.
§ 80. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether an understanding has been arrived at between Roderick MacLeay, the proprietor of the estate of Scarristaveg, in the island of Harris, and the Board of Agriculture for the settlement of the farm of Scarristaveg into small holdings; ii so, how many new holdings have been constituted; and what compensation the landlord has demanded and will receive for converting the farm into holdings?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The scheme provides for three new holdings and the enlargement of 29 existing holdings. The amount of compensation agreed to be paid to the landlord on his carrying out the scheme is £725.