§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of applicants for small holdings in the Outer Hebrides; and how many new holdings he proposes to form there during the current year?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe number of applications received by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for new holdings in the Outer Hebrides which remains undisposed of is 1,225. As I have indicated in recent Replies to Questions by the hon. Member the land suitable for sub-division in the Outer Hebrides is very limited. I cannot at present give any undertaking as to the number of holdings likely to be formed there during the current year.
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§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the settlement formed by the Congested Districts Board at Bay, in the parish of Duirnish, Skye, is now without tenants because of the refusal of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland to assist with the necessary fencing of the lands; that there are five complete dwellings and a steading on the settlement; and whether it is proposed to leave them all derelict and to constitute a similar settlement on the adjoining estate of Waternish?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The state of the settlement at Bay is not due to refusal on the part of the Board to assist with fencing. As regards the second part I understand that there are five sets of buildings on the settlement. Three of the five holdings are at present vacant and another will fall vacant at Whitsunday, 1927. Holders to take up the vacant holdings have not been forthcoming, and the question of assisting the proprietor to reconstitute the holdings is at present the subject of correspondence between the proprietor and the Board. Account will be taken of the situation at Bay in considering the proposed scheme of settlement on part of the estate of Waternish.