§ 43. Mr. JAMES HOGGEasked the Secretary for Scotland, whether he is aware that Mr. D. M'Donald, Blackhills, Aldearn, Nairn, applied for a small holding 15 months ago; that a Sub-Commissioner called on him in January; that land suitable for a holding was pointed out to him; and that the applicant has heard nothing snore of it; whether the applicant was able to prove his financial suitability for undertaking a holding; whether he is aware that the applicant now threatens, owing to the delay of the Board, to join his sons, who are all prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits in the Colonies; and whether he will take steps to prevent this applicant from carrying out his threat?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The reply to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative; the applicant was informed on the 12th June that inquiries were proceeding on his behalf, and recently a letter was addressed to the proprietrix, inquiring whether she was prepared to make the land available. The Board of Agriculture are satisfied as to the financial qualifications of the applicant. They understand that he is considering the possibility of joining a son in Canada, if his application fails.
§ 44. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Mr James Paterson, Glen Dyce, Strachan, Banchory, applied for a small holding over a year ago; that this applicant duly filled up the schedule supplied by the Scottish Board of Agriculture and has received no communication from the Board regarding his application; and will he say what steps he proposes to take to meet the wishes of the applicant and what is the specific reason for delay in this case?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODI am aware of the facts of this case. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland hope shortly to send a Sub-Commissioner to the North-East of Scotland.