HC Deb 05 May 1936 vol 311 cc1512-3
29. Mr. G. HARDIE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the new tenant of the registered small holding at Woodhouse, Tarbert, Argyll, has not been given the opportunity of cultivating the ground and putting in his crops?

Sir G. COLLINS

The holding to which the hon. Member refers is not situated on property under my control, and I am therefore unable to give him the information he desires.

Mr. HARDIE

Are not all those holdings registered at Edinburgh, and does not that Department come at all under the regulation of the right hon. Gentleman?

Sir G. COLLINS

The matter was inquired into, and I understand that this particular holding does not come under the jurisdiction of my Department.

Mr. HARDIE

Is it not a fact that, under the law of Scotland in relation to holdings, anyone taking a guarantee to hold for a year has the, protection of the Government Department of Scotland for that period?

Sir G. COLLINS

There are certain exceptions in particular cases in which that rule may be relaxed, and I think that this is one of those exceptions.

30. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether Captain Campbell applied for a grant under the provisions of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926, at the request of Angus Shaw, so that improvements could be carried out at Woodhouse, Tarbert, in keeping with the improvements on the same estate?

Sir G. COLLINS

I am informed by the County Council of Argyll that no application has been received from Captain Campbell for a grant under the Housing (Rural Workers) Acts in respect of the improvement of Woodhouse Cottage, Tarbert.

Mr. HARDIE

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that the whole idea behind this has been to reserve that land for pheasants, and that already pheasants have been put there this season in order that there should be shooting upon land which was formerly a fine piece of cultivated land giving a good return?

Sir G. COLLINS

I have no knowledge of that.

Mr. HARDIE

If I give the right hon. Gentleman the knowledge, will he act?

Sir G. COLLINS

As far as it lies within my power.