HC Deb 17 November 1927 vol 210 cc1131-2W
Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland with reference to the small holdings and outrun for sheep at Morvich, Kintail, Ross-shire, acquired by the Board of Agriculture during the years 1917–19, what sum was paid in compensation for any or all of the land; whether the Board is aware of a proposal now to take the outrun for sheep for afforestation; and what action it proposes to take in the matter in view of the fact that if the land referred to is taken the smallholders will be deprived of the sheep outrun upon which the success of their holdings depends?

Sir J. GILMOUR

In reply to the first part of the question, the Board of Agriculture paid the proprietor the sum of £1,511 in compensation in connection with a scheme of land settlement, embracing 7,125 acres, which they carried out on Kintail Deer Forest in 1920. The scheme includes Morvich and is, I presume, that to which the right hon. Member refers.

With regard to the remaining parts of the question, I am informed that the Forestry Commissioners have no present intention of taking any action which would deprive the smallholders settled by the Board of any part of their holdings.

Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the hon. Member for Monmouthshire, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if it is proposed to take over for the purposes of afforestation a large portion of land in the Morvich district of Kintail, Ross-shire; if he is aware that this land was acquired as an outrun for the sheep of 11 smallholders by the Board of Agriculture, and registered as recently as 1919; and whether, in view of the fact that the sheep-run will be ruined if the proposed scheme of afforestation is proceeded with, the Commissioners still propose to proceed with it?

Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKER

The Forestry Commissioners have acquired with other land part of the crofters' grazings at Kintail, Ross-shire. In accordance with an assurance given by them to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, the Commissioners have no pre-sent intention of applying to the Land Court for resumption. The further part of the right hon. Member's question does not therefore call for answer.