§ 3. Mr. G. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether in view of the improvements made by successive occupiers on the smallholding at Woodhouse, Tarbert, Argyll, including 6½ acres tile draining, convoying a water supply to the holding, building an additional room, erecting a large wooden shed, lining ceiling of dwelling-house, enlarging kitchen fireplace, and fitting in range, etc., he will arrange for its continuance as a small land holding and prevent these improvements being taken over without compensation by the landowner?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)My information as to the circumstances is that a voluntary agreement as to compensation was arrived at between the landlord and the outgoing tenant. I understand that the dwelling-house is dilapidated, and as the landlord is not bound by law to re-let the holding, I cannot take any action in the matter.
§ Mr. HARDIEHas the Scottish Office no power at all to safeguard crofting tenants in such parts as Tarbert?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe tenant could have made a claim to the land court, but decided not to do so, I presume on his own initiative. If the hon. Member has any further information and will send it to me, I shall be happy to look into it.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not a fact that the Scottish Office has the powers, and has exercised them in the past, in cases where poverty struck, as it struck in this case, in order to save a man who was doing valuable work on the land?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe tenant had his rights, and could have appealed to the land court, had he desired to do so. He 5 did not do so, and I presume he did not think it desirable.
§ Mr. HARDIEHe had not the money.