HC Deb 18 September 1931 vol 256 cc1161-2
Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the hon. And gallant Member for Rye (Sir G. Courthope), as representing the Forestry Commission, whether instructions have been issued by his Department to proceed with all speed to evict Mr. MacRae from his holding in Luih-an-Eorn, Kintail, and, in view of the discussion in this House the other night on the Adjournment and the representations made and the reply given, if he will state by whose authority these instructions were issued?

Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)

The Forestry Commission have not issued instructions for the eviction of Mr. Alexander MacRae, who is not their tenant.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is it not a fact that the Forestry Commissioners are fencing off part of the land which he was told was to be given to him?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

I think my right hon. Friend is misinformed. The land which the Forestry Commission are planting was feued to them by its owner free of all tenancies, and we have no privity of contract with Mr. MacRae. There has been some difficulty concerning the driving of sheep into our plantations.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is it not a fact that this holder was promised by the Forestry Commission that he would be allowed to keep that land, and that the Forestry Commission is now fencing it off and depriving him of an outrun for his sheep? Is it consistent with the pledge given by this great Department of State that Mr. MacRae should be harassed as be has been?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

I am informed that no pledges have been broken and no rights of Mr. MacRae have been interfered with at all.

Mr. GEORGE HARDIE

Is the tenancy now held by the gentleman in question one direct from the owner, or was it made in conjunction with the rights given to the Commission, and are the lines of demarcation now involved in this dispute?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

I think not. The land which we are planting was feued by Mr. Edwards to the Forestry Commission free of tenancies. It is quite possible, and I think it is indeed the fact, that Mr. Alexander MacRae held under Mr. Edwards, but not the land which was feued to the Commission. I believe Mr. Edwards has since granted, by deed of gift, the land of which Mr. Alexander MacRae's croft formed part, to the trustees of the Northern Infirmary.