HC Deb 26 May 1960 vol 624 cc79-81W
Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide figures showing the numbers of crofts in each of the islands of Barra, including Vatersay, South Uist, including Eriskay, Benbecula, North Uist, including Grimsay, Harris, including Bernera, Scalpay and Scarp, and in the Isle of Lewis, including Bernera, in each of the years 1920, 1930, and 1960.

Mr. Maclay

The numbers of crofts in 1960 in each of the islands listed are given in the table below. I regret that similar information for the years 1920 and 1930 is not available.

Island Number of Crofts
Barra, Including Vatersay … 448
South Uist, including Eriskay … 671
Benbecula … 268
North Uist, including Grimsay … 483
Harris, including Bernera … 502
Scalpay … 40
Scarp … 16
Isle of Lewis, including Bernera … 3,607

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will name each school in each of the islands of the Outer Hebrides with an equipped gymnasium.

Mr. Maclay

The following schools in the islands of the Outer Hebrides have equipped gymnasia:—

  • Nicolson Institute, Stornoway (Lewis);
  • Lionel Junior Secondary School Lewis; and,
  • Daliburgh Junior Secondary School (South Uist).

In addition, equipped gymnasia will be provided in the following schools by projects at present being carried out:—

  • Aird Junior Secondary School (Lewis);
  • Bayble Junior Secondary School (Lewis); and
  • Sir E. Scott Junior Secondary School, Tarbert (Harris).

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give a named list of those schools in the Islands of Lewis, Harris, North and South Uist, Benbecula and Barra which are equipped with hot and cold piped water supply.

Mr. Maclay

The following schools have hot and cold piped water supplies:—

  • Nicolson Institute, Stornoway (Lewis).
  • Daliburgh Junior Secondary School (South Uist).

Projects on which work is at present being carried out will provide hot and cold piped water supplies at the following:—

  • Aird Junior Secondary School (Lewis).
  • Bayble Junior Secondary School (Lewis).
  • Sir Edward Scott Junior Secondary School (Harris).

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made with the provision of an old people's home in the Isle of Lewis.

Mr. Maclay

I am informed that the county council has recently invited tenders for the erection of a new home at Stornoway.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received from Inverness County Council for the construction of an old people's home or homes for old people in the Islands of Barra, North and South Uist and Benbecula and Harris.

Mr. Maclay

None.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total cost of administrative accommodation for the use of the county council of Ross and Cromarty built in the Isle of Lewis in the last five years, and the estimated cost of offices and other building in the island for the council's use now under construction, or approved.

Mr. Maclay

I have given approval in principle to proposed new county buildings in Stornoway estimated to cost £64,000. The only expenditure in the last five years has been £5,740 on the acquisition and clearing of the site. Work on the new building has not yet begun but I am informed that the county council has now resolved to call for tenders.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how long he has had the proposals of Ross and Cromarty County Council for a jetty at Brevig, Isle of Lewis, under consideration; what stage negotiations have reached; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclay

Various proposals by the county council for a fishing pier at Brevig have been considered since 1955. The latest being a scheme submitted in June, 1959. Examination of this proposal showed that a satisfactory pier could not be provided for less than £60,000 and in April this year the council was informed that I considered the project too expensive in relation to the actual or potential fishing activity. The council has since intimated that it is now prepared to consider alternative means of improving the landing facilities and has suggested that an officer of my Department should meet its representatives at Brevig to discuss the matter. I shall be happy to fall in with this suggestion.

Forward to