HC Deb 03 November 1908 vol 195 cc991-3
MR. BRIDGEMAN

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as

for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what has been the total number of sheep on the sheep farms in the crofting counties of Scotland for 1901 and each subsequent year.

THE TREASURER OF THE HOUSEHOLD (Sir EDWARD STRACHEY,) Somersetshire, S.

The number of sheep in the crofting counties of Scotland on holdings exceeding one acre on 4th June in each rear from 1901 to 1908 is as follows—

representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he can state how much of the £100,000 voted for the purpose of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1907, to be spent before 31st March, 1908, was spent before that date, how much of it has been spent since, and upon what objects it has been spent.

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

The amount voted was not intended to be spent before 31st March, 1908, and no payment out of it has so far been made. Considerable liabilities in relation to the acquisition of land have, however, been incurred by county councils and these will be repaid by the Board in pursuance of Section 17 of the Act.

MR. BRIDGEMAN

Is it all likely to be spent before 31st March?

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

There is no obligation to spend it before that time.