§ Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give particulars of the large mansion house on the island of Raasay owned by the Department of Agriculture; how many rooms are in the house and whether they are furnished; how many acres of land are attached as policies and gardens ground; how long have these subjects been owned by the State; to whom are they now let; what is the total annual gross average receipts from these subjects, including sporting rental; what are the total annual average payments, including wages to gamekeepers, gardeners, rates, and general upkeep; and whether he will consider in future using this mansion house as a hostel, guest-house, or holiday home for sick persons and operated by the approved societies, or otherwise?
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§ Sir G. COLLINSRaasay estate including the mansion house was acquired by the Department at Candlemas, 1922. The house contains 45 rooms with domestic offices and is furnished. The gardens and policies extend to about 15½ acres. The house is normally let along with the sporting rights but has not yet been let for the coming season. The average annual gross receipts from lets in recent years amounted to approximately £310. The average annual expenditure on wages, rent and general upkeep has been approximately £390. With regard to the last part of the question, although the house provides the only accommodation on the island for a tenant of the sporting subjects I shall give consideration to any proposals submitted by approved societies for utilising the house in the manner indicated by the hon. Member.