§ 43. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the most up-to-date information as to the number of applications for smallholdings in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, stating the number of applications received during the last 12 months for which particulars are available; the number of holdings provided during that period; and the number of applications still unsatisfied?
§ Mr. ELLIOTDuring the 12 months to 30th November, 1936, 97 applications for smallholdings and 14 applications for enlargement of holdings in the seven crofting counties were made to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland. During that period 86 applicants were provided with holdings and four with enlargements of holdings in the crofting counties. After taking these figures into account the number of applications outstanding were 2,911 for new holdings and 2,975 for enlargement.
Mr. DAVIDSONWould the right hon. Gentleman take those figures as an indication that there are sufficient people in Scotland desirous of taking work on the land?
§ Mr. ELLIOTCertainly.
§ Mr. MATHERSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether all the outstanding applications are still live applications?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid that I cannot say without notice.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the Department aware of the fact that men with agricultural knowledge desiring to go back on the land are being asked to find £500 before they are permitted to do so?