HC Deb 19 August 1919 vol 119 cc2127-8
32. Mr. A. SHORT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will state the number of demobilised soldiers resettled upon the land and in what capacity?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir A. Boscawen)

No complete figures are available as to the total number of demobilised soldiers who have resettled on the land, but 222 ex-Service men have been settled on the Board's farm settlements, and 563 ex-Service men have been provided with small holdings by county councils or the councils of county boroughs.

Mr. SHORT

Does that include men who have been settled on poultry farms?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

It includes all kinds of smallholders.

Mr. RAFFAN

How many of the 222 are, settled as smallholders and how many are on probation?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I could not give those figures without notice.

Mr. RAFFAN

Not even approximately?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

No; I would very much sooner not make a guess, but will send the actual figures to my hon. Friend if he wishes.

Mr. RAFFAN

I should be very much obliged.