§ MR. A. DEWAR (Edinburgh, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he can state the total number of small holdings acquired in Scotland under the Small Agricultural Holdings 136 Act, 1892; the total number of allotments acquired under the Allotments (Scotland) Act, 1892, and the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1894; the total acreage held under these Acts, and the number of occupiers; and the average cost of land per acre acquired under these Acts.
§ MR. SINCLAIRAccording to the latest published Return (H.L. No. 192 of 1903) the total number of small holdings sold in Scotland under the Small Holdings Act, 1892, up to the 31st December, 1902, was twenty-five; the total acreage was eighty-three, and the average cost of purchase was £14 9s. per acre. On consulting the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries I find that no later information is available on the foregoing points. As regards the Allotments (Scotland) Act, 1892, the answer is as follows, the figures being derived from the Allotments Scotland Return, 1906 (No. 258). Total number of allotment holders at 15th May, 1906, 173; total acreage of Allotments at 15th May, 1906, 805; total annual rent payable to parish councils, £540; showing average per acre of 13s. 4d.