§ 85. Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received any complaints from the Highlands of Scotland with reference to the inactivity of the Board of Agriculture; whether he is aware that thousands of applicants have applied for holdings; and whether, in view of the fact that in some of the counties no steps have been taken to satisfy those applicants, he will consider the advisability of appointing additional Sub-Commissioners to cope with the work?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe reply to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative; inquiries have been made by the Board in every county in Scotland from which applications have been received; the appointment of additional Sub-Commissioners would not facili- 1191 tate procedure, because the Board has already received as many reports from the present Sub-Commissioners as it can deal with at present. Where necessary we have appointed competent men to make special reports, as in the case of Lewis, but the permanent appointment of more Sub-Commissioners is not at present necessary.
§ 87. Mr. MACPHERSONasked whether a Sub-Commissioner has visited the farm of Balgown, Ardwall, near Stanraer, Wigtownshire; whether he has measured it for small holdings; whether suitable applicants are available for these holdings; and, if so, whether they will be able to take these holdings over?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Board of Agriculture is considering a proposal to form a settlement on the farm, but it is too soon to make a statement on the subject.