§ 20. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether the farm of Shinness, 1818 presented by a landowner in Scotland for the settlement of discharged soldiers, has yet been taken over by his Department; whether the rents to be paid by the men to be settled on the land will be fixed by the Land Court or by his Department; whether the lease of the present tenant enforces the landowner to take over the stock of sheep on the land at the termination of the lease; if so, does the Government take over that responsibility and is it at the market value or at valuation prices; and, in each case, what is the estimate of his Department of the value of the sheep stock?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)The reply to the first part f the question is that the farm has not been presented by the Duke of Sutherland, but has Keen made available as from Whit-Sunday next for occupation by new landholders (primarily discharged soldiers and sailors) under the Landholders Act; to the second part, that the rents will be fixed by the Land Court; to the third part, the reply is in the affirmative. The Board have agreed to relieve the owner of his liability to pay valuation prices to a strictly limited extent. Until the valuation has taken place, my hon. and learned Friend will not expect me to name the value as estimated by the Board.
§ Mr. WATTWill my right hon. Friend say whether the local rumour that the sheep stock is valued at £30,000 is nearly accurate or not?
§ Mr. MUNROI have not heard of the local rumour, and I think I would like my hon. Friend to give me notice of that question.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the hon. Gentleman `right in stating that this has not been presented by the Duke of Sutherland, or is it another and fresh offer from his Borgie estate?
§ Mr. MUNROAs I have explained in my answer, this land was offered to us. I should like to add that the Duke of Sutherland, in this, as in other cases, has shown a very great public spirit, which might be followed by others.
23. Sir N. GRIFFITHSasked what is the present position for settling soldiers and sailors in East Africa?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)I am still awaiting the Report of the local Commission which has been appointed to consider the proposals made for the settlement of ex-Service men on the land.