HC Deb 23 July 1957 vol 574 cc208-9
37. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being made by the Nature Conservancy Trust to enable the public to land and visit the Island of Rhum.

Mr. N. Macpherson

My right hon. Friend understands that the Nature Conservancy are issuing a statement about public access to the Island of Rhum, and he has asked the Conservancy to send a copy to the right hon. Member.

Mr. Woodburn

Is not this matter of more public interest than just to send me a copy? Is the Nature Conservancy now going to allow, under some sort of regulations, access to the Island of Rhum? Will it be made known to the public generally how they may visit this island and under what conditions?

Mr. Macpherson

I do not think it would be right for me to anticipate the issue of a statement which will be given to the Press. In view of the public interest in this matter, I am certain it will be given very full publicity.

Mr. John MacLeod

Are we to understand that shepherds are to be removed from this island? A whole lot of public money is to be spent, and I understand that a thousand breeding ewes and cattle are to be removed. If so, is that not quite scandalous?

Mr. Macpherson

If my hon. Friend wants information on that point, which is quite a different one, perhaps he will put down a Question.