§ 8. Mr. T. RAMSAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will communicate with the Ministry of Transport, the county council of Ross and Cromarty, and the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, with the object of constructing the uncompleted Ness-Tolsta road in Lewis, either in one effort or by annual instalments, so as to take advantage of the large tract of land there available for the settlement of a considerable number of persons in holdngs?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe question of the construction of the uncompleted portion of the Ness-Tolsta Road has been considered by the Lewis District Committee and by the Department of Agriculture at various times since the year 1923. I regret, however, that, in view of the heavy expenditure that the work would involve, and of the comparatively limited benefits which would accrue to the community, I cannot authorise the allocation of State funds for this purpose.
§ Mr. RAMSAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Ness district there is a congested population of 4,000 people; is he further aware that there are as many squatters in Lewis desirous of holdings; and will he not yet consider the construction of the Ness-Tolsta, road to get holdings for these people, who would then have property of rateable value? Would it not be much better to do this than to spend money in Harris, where there is no such demand?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am afraid that, in reply to a question, I cannot debate the advisability of spending money in one place in preference to another.
§ Mr. RAMSAYCould it not be done by instalments?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThese questions would be better raised on the Scottish Estimates.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODArising from the last reply—
§ Mr. SPEAKERA very full answer has been given.