§ 64. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the further applications from landless men in Harris for settlement in the Borve deer forest; and whether he has now acquired this forest for land settlement?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)I am aware that four new applications have recently been received by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland. As indicated in the reply given to the hon. Member on 8th December last the question of the acquisition of Borve has been the subject of discussion with the proprietor, but the matter has not yet reached a stage at which I can make any statement.
§ Sir M. WOODCan the Secretary of State confirm the report that there has been a good deal of raiding in this district and that men at the present time are in possession of land which they have seized?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have seen that statement in certain papers.
§ Sir M. WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman deny the report?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODArising from the original reply, will the right hon. Gentleman hurry on the negotiations as these men have either to find a means of earning a livelihood or be faced with starvation, because there is nothing for them but to work on the land? There is no other employment. This is the Outer Hebrides.
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am making further inquiries into the matter referred to in the question, and I will communicate with the hon. Member at an early date. In reply to the hon. Member for Banff (Sir M. Wood), if he will put a question on the Paper, I will give him a specific answer.