HC Deb 15 October 1946 vol 427 cc762-3
7. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to alleviate the loss sustained by the tenant of Little Rahane and Meikle Rahane farms at Rosneath by the destruction of dykes and fences during the construction of the Finnart and Rosneath oil fuel pipeline in 1943; and if he is aware that the land speculators, who purchased the estate and subsequently sold out, collected the compensation for damage and have refused to pay the tenant the cost of repairs, as a consequence of which food production is being retarded.

Mr. Westwood

The settlement of claims for compensation for damage arising from the laying of the pipeline referred to is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty. The question of payment to the farm tenants of the cost of repairs to the landlord's equipment would appear to be one for settlement between the landlord and tenant in terms of the contract of tenancy, and I am not in a position to answer my hon. Friend's question on this point. The agricultural executive committee for the district have reported that the state of the dykes and fences affected by the work is having no appreciable adverse effect on food production.

Mr. McKinlay

Do I take it that my right hon. Friend's Department accepts no responsibility for the agricultural development in that area? Is he also aware that the surveyors to Gabriel Wade and English, the speculators concerned, were awarded £77 compensation on the distinct understanding that they would pay for reinstatement work, that my constituent had no replies to his letters, and, in other words, that they have stolen £77 belonging to the tenant? Could I have an assurance from my right hon. Friend that he will not dismiss this matter in a summary manner and that his Department has an interest in the matter?

Mr. Westwood

My Department certainly has an interest in agricultural development. All I can do in this case will be done if it comes within the ambit of my Department and within my Department's powers.

Mr. McKinlay

I wish to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.