§ 44. Sir C. HENRYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will state to what extent the property purchased by the Government at Sheriffhales, in Shropshire, for an agricultural colony for ex-soldiers has been developed for the purpose intended; how many ex-soldiers are being employed; and when it may be expected that the acreage will be fully utilised?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)With the exception of a small area that will be retained as a central farm, the farm settlement at Heath Hill will be divided into thirty-eight small holdings. The number of ex-Service men already provided with holdings is sixteen, eight others are at the settlement on probation, and nine are working as wage earners. The number of ex-Service men at the settlement is therefore thirty-three. In addition, six men have been accepted as probationers, but have not yet started. It will not be possible to provide the full number of small holdings contemplated until 1672 additional cottages have been built, and it is hoped these will be completed by the end of the summer.