HC Deb 08 November 1955 vol 545 cc1631-3
11. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Pairc Development Association in the Isle of Lewis regarding local depopulation and the need to promote local economic development and improve basic services; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. J. Stuart

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health forwarded to me some time ago a letter he had received from the Association; and I am asking the Highlands Panel, which the Association has also approached, to consider the position and give me its advice.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this local problem is symptomatic of the problem of all the Highlands and Islands, that schools are dwindling to one-teacher schools, that piers and harbours are falling into disuse, that population is drifting away, and that this is particularly serious in this part of the Isle of Lewis? Would he ask the Highlands Panel to give Lewis the highest priority?

Mr. Stuart

I am informed that the Panel is giving it priority and that the Panel will consider the matter at a meeting on 5th December.

Mr. John MacLeod

Will the Secretary of State look into the policy of the Herring Industry Board, which is closing ports because of the gluts of herring? Should the Board not look for outlets in places such as this where herrings can be processed, instead of boats being told that they cannot leave the ports because of the mismanagement of the Herring Industry Board?

Mr. Stuart

That is rather a different question, but it is a point which will no doubt be considered.

12. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the report of the Director of Education of Ross and Cromarty regarding the unsatisfactory conditions of many schools and school lavatories and playgrounds in the Isle of Lewis; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have not seen this report, which I understand was made to the education authority Proposals made by the education authority for improving conditions at 37 schools in Lewis were approved in principle some time ago, and tenders for work at the first five schools are now under consideration.

Mr. MacMillan

If the right hon. Gentleman has seen this report, may I recommend it to him as a belated confession of the Director of Education who has been there since 1937, who has now seen the light—or should I say darkness—about Lewis schools? While the new schools are excellent, and no one would quarrel with the authority on their account, old schools around them are being allowed to rot while the children and teachers continue to live and work in the worst possible conditions of any schools in Scotland. Will he put some drive and effort into doing something about the older schools?

Mr. Stuart

I am aware of this position. I did not receive the report referred to because it was not addressed to me, but I would be very glad to look at it if the hon. Gentleman chooses to give me one. As I said, a start is being made on the first five schools.

Mr. MacMillan

But does not the Minister receive regular reports from Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools, and is this not his direct responsibility?

Mr. Stuart

I receive those reports, but I did not receive the report to which the hon. Gentleman refers.