§ 6. Mr. THOMAS RAMSAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the date of acquisition and the total cost involved in the purchase and development of the estate of Luskentyre, Harris, for land settlement; and how many persons have now obtained economic holdings, and the total head of cattle and the ewe stock of sheep now found thereon?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)The Department of Agriculture for Scotland took entry to the estate of Luskentyre in December, 1929. The estimated total cost of purchase and development is £18,440. Six prospective holders have been given occupation of ground for the purpose of house building, etc., with a view to their registration as new holders. There are at present on the ground approximately 320 ewes and 29 cattle, with followers.
§ Mr. RAMSAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the 12th November, 1929, the then Secretary of State for 145 Scotland said in this House that, after clearance and development, Luskentyre would be capable in a few years' time of carrying 80 cattle and a ewe stock of 500 sheep; and that on the 22nd May, 1930, the then Under-Secretary of State for Scotland said that the estate would provide economic holdings for eight or 10 persons ? Will he say when these statements are likely to become facts?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have given, in replying to my hon. Friend's question, an accurate account of the number of cattle and ewes on this land.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSAre we to understand that these are economic holdings
§ Sir G. COLLINSNo, Sir.
§ 7. Mr. RAMSAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, with regard to the negotiations for the purchase of the estate of Borve, Harris, for land settlement, how it is proposed to deal with the crofters on the east side of South Harris who graze practically the whole of their sheep stock all the year round on Borve deer forest and the small home farm; how many persons could obtain economic holdings and the total head of cattle and stock of sheep for which the land can provide; and if harbour facilities are, or will be, available for the new crofters to shelter their boats?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIf negotiations for the purchase of Borve are concluded, the Department of Agriculture for Scotland will proceed to work out a scheme of settlement having as its object the relief of congestion in the district. Meantime I prefer not to commit myself to the details of a scheme, but I anticipate that about 30 to 35 holdings suitable to the district can be provided.
§ Mr. RAMSAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that applications of the people of Scalpay, Strond and Borrisdale, Collam, Cluer and Stockinish, Marig and Eileananabuich, for the construction of roads suitable for vehicular traffic have been turned down on the ground of shortage of money'? And seeing that the negotiations for the purchase of Borve show the presence of money now available for Harris, would he not proceed with the construction of these roads instead of carrying out at the present 146 moment the Borve adventure, and so introduce humane conditions into the lives of those applicants for roads suitable for vehicular traffic?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI must remind my hon. Friend that a large sum of money is involved already, in view of the nature of the settlement, and I cannot commit myself to any further expenditure.