§ 24. Mr. KIMBALLasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amount of money spent by the Department of Agriculture during the year 1935 in repairing and reconditioning Borgie 1035 Lodge, on the Department of Agriculture s estate at Borgie, Sutherland; and why such expenditure was necessary?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe expenditure incurred by the Department of Agriculture in 1935 on repairs and improvements to Borgie Lodge amounted to £1,235 15s. 4d. The main structure of the lodge was an old building in need of considerable repair and the shootings themselves being attractive, it was considered necessary to renovate the lodge in order to improve the lettability of the subject.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONCan the hon. and gallant Member say how many smallholders will be affected?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe area in question has been for some time let for the shooting, and the action taken by the Department has been in order to get an economic rent for something which they had in their possession.
§ 25. Mr. KIMBALLasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Department of Agriculture has now let Borgie Lodge; will he state the rent and term of years; and whether the full rent has been received?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe shootings and fishings on the Department's estate of Borgie, including the lodge, have been let for a period of 10 years as from Whit Sunday, 1935, at a rent of £550 per annum. The rental due to date has been paid.
§ 26. Mr. KIMBALLasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Borgie Lodge is no longer available for use as the village school; and can he say what was the cost of building the new school and who paid for this building?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI am aware that a room in Borgie Lodge is no longer available for use as the village school. The cost of the new school building was £442, and this was met by the Sutherland Education Authority from grants and rates.
§ Mr. KIMBALLDoes my hon. and gallant Friend think that his Department has executed a good bargain from the point of view of the taxpayer and the 1036 local rentpayer in spending all this money on the lodge, at the same time leaving the local authority to spend money on providing a school?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes, Sir, because there is an increase of rent of £250 a year.