§ 54. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, seeing that he issued recently a statutory notice to the proprietors of Melbost farm, Stornoway, of his intention to proceed with a compulsory scheme of land settlement on the farm, and that within 72 hours afterwards a further notice was served cancelling the first and indicating his intention not to proceed with the settlement, he will say what steps he now proposes to take to provide holdings for landless men in that area?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)The Statutory notice, which was issued in order to postpone the conclusion of arrangements for a new lease pending further discussion with the owners as to the future use of the lands, has not been withdrawn; but it is not intended to continue proceedings for the development of a small holding scheme if it can be shown that under a new lease the lands will be used for dairying. With regard to the last part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that, with the exception of this relatively small subject and the Manor Farm owned by the Stornoway Trustees and used for dairying, all available agricultural subjects in Lewis have been secured for Small Holdings Schemes.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONWhen is the right hon. Gentleman likely to take a final decision on the matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWhen I have received a definite undertaking that the farm will be equipped and used as a dairy farm.