§ 16. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to carry out the building and reconditioning of the dilapidated piers in Argyll in terms of the scheme framed by his predecessor in the late Government; whether he is aware that there is an urgent need for a pier at Craignure, Mull, where frequently six to ten score people of all ages have to be ferried in an ancient ferry-boat to and from the steamer; that Ardgour pier is shortly to cease to be used on account of its frail condition; that the isle of Coll is fast being deserted for the want of a pier; that Lismore pier also will soon be unusable; and, as the proprietors are willing to give free sites and every facility, will he now carry out the scheme drafted by his predecessor in office?
§ Mr. SKELTONMy right hon. Friend is not aware that a scheme for the building and reconditioning of the piers referred to was framed by his predecessor 927 in the late Government. In reply to a question on 23rd June, 1931, the then Secretary of State indicated that legislation would be required before the matter of the piers and harbours in the Highlands and Islands could be comprehensively dealt with. A Bill on the subject has now been drafted and my right hon. Friend hopes to introduce it on an early date. With regard to the specific instances given in the question, my right hon. Friend is aware that the pier accommodation is unsatisfactory and incomplete. As regards the island of Coll, for topographical reasons the provision of a suitable pier would I understand present special difficulties both in design and cost.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs my hon. Friend aware that £25,000 was extracted from the estate of the late owner of Coll in the name of Death Duties, which is just about the sum required to build a pier, and that something ought to be done to make the pier, when the Coll estate has been deprived of the money which would have been applied to building it?
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the hon. Member see that the legislation which he proposes to introduce takes into account all the piers against which complaints have been lodged from time to time in the West Highlands and the North coast of Scotland?
§ Mr. SKELTONI think that it would be wise not to anticipate any statement until legislation is introduced.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs not my hon. Friend aware that the steamer service which has been assisted by the Government is in a most excellent condition and is making a large profit, and does it not seem absurd that we should not have piers for the boats to call at when they are doing so well, and should not the Government hurry up with legislation?
§ Mr. SKELTONI think that the whole question of piers so far as the Highlands are concerned can rightly be raised on the Agricultural Estimates next Friday.