§ 38. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Air the total and the average amount of compensation payable to crofters in respect of loss of land and other adverse effects resulting from the establishment of the South Uist Rocket Range.
Mr. WardThe amount awarded to South Uist crofters by the Scottish Land Court was £1,889. Reductions of rent were also granted amounting to £127 a year. Awards of £461 and £652 were made to crofters on North Uist and Benbecula. As the details are somewhat lengthy I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these awards of compensation are regarded as about the most miserable and conservative ever awarded by the Scottish Land Court in respect of loss of land and part-loss of livelihood? Will the Air Ministry itself, in the interests of good public relations and justice, consider making some supplementary award to the crofters affected, who are affected for the rest of their lives by this intrusion?
Mr. WardNo, Sir. It has all along been understood and agreed by all concerned that claims arising from the resumption of land would be referred to the Scottish Land Court. This has been done and the Court has issued its award.
§ Following are the details:
| South Uist | £ |
| Award for 565 acres of common grazing shared by 75 crofters | 750 |
| Award for 524 acres of common grazing shared by 20 crofters | 660 |
| Award for 8½ acres of arable land from five crofts | 261 |
| Disturbance allowances | 218 |
| Reduction of rent | 127 p.a. |
| North Uist | |
| Disturbance allowances | 461 |
| Benbecula | |
| Award for 7 acres of arable land from one croft (including disturbance allowance) | 530 |
| Other disturbance allowances | 122 |