§ Sir F. THOMSONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, seeing that the landholders who have been settled by the Department of Agriculture on the township of Askernish, South Uist, are suffering from the waterlogged condition of the land and inadequate fencing, immediate steps can be taken to improve the drainage and to provide sufficient fencing?
Mr. ADAMS0NI am informed that the holdings at Askernish when consti- 2247W tuted, were provided with fencing and other equipment which has since fallen into disrepair due to absenteeism on the part of certain holders and the unwilling-ness of the remaining holders to under-take the whole burden of maintenance of drains and fences. Under these conditions, no further expenditure of public funds could be justified meantime. The matter is, however, receiving the attention of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland in consultation with the estate and if arrangements can be made by the estate to bring into residence a full complement of holders who are prepared to fulfil their township obligations, I shall then consider what further assistance can properly be given.