§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N.W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of Scotland what is the number and total acreage of agricultural holdings in Scotland below £50 annual value.
§ MR. SINCLAIRSo far as I am ware, there are no precise figures available. In 1890–91, the latest year for which figures are available, the number of persons assessed for Poor Rate in respect of the occupation of farms and paying rental not exceeding £50 as per Valuation Roll, was 46,828. Table VI. of the Annual Returns of acreage in the Agricultural Statistics, 1905, gives the total number of Agricultural Holdings in Scotland above one acre and not exceeding fifty acres as 53,358.
§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONI suppose we shall have accurate information before we deal with the Bill in the Autumn?
§ MR. SINCLAIRI hope so, Sir, but accurate information is exceedingly difficult to obtain.