§ 38. Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAMasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the arbiter appointed under the Lands Clauses Arbitration Act, awarded to the late proprietor of Luskentyre a sum equal to 400 years' purchase of the net value of the fishings as returned on the valuation roll for rating purposes; and whether he proposes to appeal against the award or otherwise take such steps as will secure a reduction in its terms?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRI do not quite follow the hon. Member's calculation. The position is that the arbiter has awarded the sum of £3,639 for fishings, based on 15 years' purchase of the net annual rental value as calculated by him. I understand that the value of the fishings as entered in the valuation roll for rating purposes prior to the acquisition of the estate by the Department of Agriculture was £20. As regards the second part of the question, the decision of the arbiter on questions of fact is final.