HC Deb 16 May 1938 vol 336 cc113-4

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

7.24 p.m.

Mr. Macquisten

I notice that in this Clause provision is being made for an increase in the grant to local authorities in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and I suggest that the proposed increase is not nearly enough to meet the situation in that area. These are extraordinarily poor districts. In many of them even a 6d. rate yields practically nothing. We have been very badly treated in the Highlands in the past—so much so, that our population has almost disappeared—and if the Government want to do anything to help to retain the population which is there now, and to bring back others who have gone, they ought to act more generously in this matter. I would remind hon. Members that only the other day the House of Commons had an opportunity, as the result of the enterprise of a private company, of adding i20,000 a year to the rateable value of the county of Inverness, but for reasons which were altogether erroneous they refused that chance.

The Deputy-Chairman

The hon. and learned Member cannot raise that point now.

Mr. Macquisten

I am mentioning that case only by way of an analogy to show why these areas ought to get a bigger grant than that proposed in the Clause. I do not know that I should be in order in making any proposal which would have the effect of increasing the charge, but I would ask the Minister to consider whether, instead of making a grant of three-quarters of these payments he should not make a grant of the whole in order to ease the position of these very hard-hit districts, in the matter of providing housing facilities. There is no more lovely place in which to reside than the Highlands and Islands, and if decent housing accommodation were available there I am sure it would help to bring back great numbers of the population who have left. Even those who have gone to Canada and have made money there are eager to return again to the misty islands. I think it would be a great misfortune if this Measure were not interpreted in the most generous way, as far as it affects the Highlands and Islands.

Sir K. Wood

I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will take due note of the remarks of my hon. and learned Friend.

Clause II ordered to stand part of the Bill.