HC Deb 26 March 1959 vol 602 cc187-8W
Mr. M. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a decision has now been reached concerning the payment of hill sheep subsidy this year.

Mr. Maclay

Yes. After full consideration of all the relevant circumstances and discussion with the hill sheep interests concerned, the Government have decided that they would not be justified in paying a hill sheep subsidy in the United Kingdom this year. The estimated financial returns to hill sheep farmers in 1958 were generally at a satisfactory level even though lower than in 1957. The question of hill sheep subsidy will be reconsidered next year in the light of the economic conditions prevailing in the hill sheep industry in 1959.

will include the following projects in Lewis:

  • Aird Junior Secondary School—alterations—£66.
  • Bayble Junior Secondary School—alterations—£94,504.
  • Stornoway, Nicolson Institute—alterations—£5,930.
  • Grimshader Primary School—£19,275.

The building programme of Invernessshire Education Authority for 1959–60 does not show any projects in the Outer Islands, but I understand they hope to start additions to Leverhulme Memorial School, Harris, costing £10,000 in April, 1960.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the number of classes in primary schools in each of the Western Isles of over 40 pupils and over 30 pupils, respectively, naming the schools.

Mr. N. Macpherson: The information is as follows: