HC Deb 15 July 1913 vol 55 cc1056-7
57. Mr. J. HOGGE

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many small holdings exist in Scotland at the present time; and what is the total acreage?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The number of agricultural holdings in Scotland exceeding one and not exceeding fifty acres, as returned in 1912, was 51,866. The total acreage of each class of holdings has not been ascertained annually. A Return was, however, obtained in 1908 in connection with the Census of Production, when the total acreage under crops and permanent grass was 697,000, besides 3,900,000 acres of mountain and heath land used for grazing.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Was;this land suitable?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The land was suitable, and was used for grazing.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Royal Commission said that the land was suitable for this purpose?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

It is being used for this purpose.