HC Deb 01 December 1959 vol 614 cc993-4
27. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider purchasing the South Uist Estate, now offered for sale by Mr. Andreae, with a view to promoting the economic and social well-being and development of the area under a permanent responsible proprietorship and to preventing its being purchased by a foreign buyer.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Gilmour Leburn)

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend is not satisfied that such purchase is necessary to secure the purpose the hon. Member has in mind. The wide powers to promote the development of crofting communities, conferred on the Crofters Commission, relate to private as well as State-owned land, and are not affected by changes in ownership.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the Minister aware that there is grave resentment and a sense of national indignity about this blatant hawking of whole populated areas of our country in the world market without restriction of national interest or anything else? Is he aware that when a Government can come forward in a place like South Uist and propose, without consulting the local people, to turn the area into a rocket range involving an expenditure of £22,500,000, it is a small thing to ask them to spend about £60,000 to bring the area under responsible constructive development? Does the hon. Gentleman agree with that?

Mr. Leburn

I do not think that the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question arises here. Regarding the first part, the Government have no powers to prevent anyone from buying this island or other heritable property in Scotland. There are, of course, powers under which activities against the public interest could be prevented.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Minister suggesting that if the Russians wanted to buy South Uist, they would be allowed to do so?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. MacMillan

If the Minister cannot answer that question, will he answer this one? Is there any reason why the Government cannot acquire this area for development? Is there anything standing in the way except the lack of good will?

Mr. Leburn

I do not know whether there is anything against it or not, but we believe that there are adequate powers available to safeguard the proper interests of the crofters on the island and we see no reason why we need go further than that.

Mr. MacMillan

This is not good enough. In view of the wholly unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I must raise this matter at the earliest possible opportunity.