19. Major PEELasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can state, in regard to the colony at Holbeach, in the county of Holland now being established under The Small Holding Colonies Act, 1916, its extent in acreage, the terms on which it has been acquired, the number of holdings into which it is divided, the description of the tenants, and the terms of their tenancy?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThis estate, comprising 1,000 acres, has been acquired from the Crown on a lease for ninety-nine years from 11th October, 1917, at a rental of £1,623 per annum. It is proposed to divide the colony into holdings of about 10 acres, but, owing to the fact that the Board have only been in possession for nine months, and that the settlers have to serve a period of probation, only five have so far become actual tenants—at least ten more are being admitted as tenants at Michaelmas. These are all ex-Service men who have served during 1437 the present War, and the land is being let to them at the rate of £40 per annum for the fully equipped 10–acre holding, with house and buildings.