HC Deb 10 February 1953 vol 511 cc213-4
38. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the population of the crofter counties in 1870, 1900, 1930, 1939, 1945 and 1952; and what he estimates it will be in 15 years.

Mr. J. Stuart

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

(1) The population of the crofter counties at the following periods was:

1871 372,290
1901 352,371
1931 293,212
1939 287,000 (estimated)
1945 300,000 (estimated)
1952 284,000 (estimated)
Notes.—(a) No estimate is available for 1870. The census figure for 1871 is therefore given.
(b) The census figures for 1901 and 1931 are also given as they are more accurate than the estimates available for the two previous years.

(2) No reliable estimate can be made of the probable population in 15 years' time.