§ 41. Mr. JAMES HOGGEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in various districts where fifteen months ago arable ground was available for small holdings, a policy of planting trees has been pursued by certain landlords in order to defeat the hopes of applicants making application for such land; and whether, in these circumstances, he will take special steps to meet such cases?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI have no information, and no reason to believe, that any such policy is being adopted.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be very foolish if a landlord were to part with arable land for such a purpose?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI think it is inherently improbable that any landlord would be so lost to his own interests.
§ Mr. J. HOGGEWill the right hon. Gentleman believe that this question is based on actual facts?
§ 51. Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary for Scotland if there is a Commission prospecting in Stirling for land for small holdings; and if a Government valuer there is the factor for the Duke of Montrose, who owns most of the land being dealt with?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThere is no such Commission in connection with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland or any other Department for which I am responsible, nor has the Board of Agriculture for Scotland employed the gentleman referred to as a valuer.