HC Deb 25 November 1958 vol 596 cc201-2
19. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent, in the public sale of islands and parts of islands in Scotland, there are controls exercised by the Government to see that they do not fall into the ownership of persons or institutions inimical to the public interest.

Mr. Maclay

The Government have no no powers to prevent anyone from buying an island or other heritable property in Scotland: but there are, of course, various powers under which activities which are against the public interest can be prevented.

Mr. Woodburn

Is it not a sad commentary on the present condition of Scotland that so many people want to sell off chunks of Scotland to foreigners? Further, is it not a very dangerous thing that anybody from America or any other country can come and buy an island and it is very difficult for the Government to check what is happening on these islands? Surely the Government can find some proper use for them when they are not used by their owners?

Mr. Maclay

If the right hon. Gentleman was implying that taxation is at an excessively high level in this country, and has been for a great many years, it would not be for me to comment on that. As regards the latter part of the question, national security is covered by the Official Secrets Acts if any spying were suspected, and, of course, there are powers in the Town and Country Planning and Public Health Acts to regulate the use of land.

Mr. Woodburn

I was not so much concerned with spying strangers on these islands, but since the right hon. Gentleman has raised the point, may I ask if the Government are contemplating giving a reduction of taxation to people who are prepared to take industries to these islands?

Mr. Maclay

That would not be a question for me to answer.

Mr. Jay

Would it be possible for, say, the Russian Army to buy a Scottish island without the Government being able to stop it?

Mr. Maclay

Unless it came within the Official Secrets Act, and subject to further advice, the answer is the striking one which the right hon. Gentleman envisages.

Mr. MacMillan

In view of the fact that this concerns the Western Islands, and obviously arises from the case of the island of Barra, has not the Minister one power he can exercise, namely, the power to purchase in cases of this kind, which would also enable him to develop the area concerned and give us a continuing responsible stewardship of the welfare of the people? Could he exercise that?

Mr. Maclay

I do not think it would be proper for me to give a second answer to the Question asked last week about the matter which the hon. Gentleman has in mind.