§ 31. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to draw the attention of the Crofters Commission to the request of the crofters at Balmartin, Isle of North Uist, to have their holdings extended; and whether he will press for a speedy decision in view of the fact that several years have passed since their request was first submitted to him.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Niall Macpherson)My right hon. Friend will draw the attention of the Crofters Commission to this request but he feels he must leave it to the Commission to judge in what order it should tackle the many problems which are before it.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the hon. Gentleman aware—I do not blame him personally—that for the last four years the Secretary of State has completely ignored the situation here while one after another of the crofters are leaving? One has emigrated this week, and another has died leaving a widow and seven children to manage an unproductive patch of ground, while the Secretary of State stands up for absentee landlords without any consideration for the people and their feelings?
§ Mr. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend told the hon. Gentleman three years ago that he was awaiting the appointment of the Crofters Commission. The Commission has now been set up.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State has full power to tackle this problem by legislation already on the Statute Book, and has done nothing at all about it? Will he please reconsider pressing this matter with the Crofters Commission as one of real urgency?
§ Mr. MacphersonI am aware that my right hon. Friend has full powers, but the Taylor Commission recommended that those powers should be used in accordance with the advice of the Crofters Commission.