HC Deb 03 June 1919 vol 116 cc1827-8
75. Dr. D. MURRAY

asked the Secretary for Scotland if ha can state when he will be in a position to introduce his proposals for the settlement of soldiers and sailors upon the land; and whether, in view of the unrest in Lewis and Harris, he will direct the Board of Agriculture to proceed at once with the schemes for small holdings already adopted by the Board for that area?

Mr. MUNRO

I hope to introduce the Bill referred to immediately after the Whitsuntide recess. As my hon. Friend is aware, the recent change in the ownership of the Island of Lewis has been followed by negotiations with the new proprietor which are still proceeding. While I fully recognise the urgency of the position, I am unwilling to abandon any chance of a settlement by consent. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Board has recently purchased land in Skye and elsewhere, some of which it is hoped may be available to mitigate congestion in the Island of Lewis.

84. Mr. DOYLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will state how many demobilised soldiers and sailors have applied for land as small holdings: and how many and to what extent such claims have been satisfied?

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

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the question addressed to me on the 21st ultimo by the hon. Member for Pontypool, a copy of which I am sending to him. The figures have not changed materially since that date.

85. Mr. DOYLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will state what steps, if any, are being taken, in view of the sale of estates, many of which are within easy reach of industrial centres by motor transport, to buy such land for the purpose of parcelling it out in small holdings for demobilised soldiers and sailors?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

County councils are considering the purchase of all land suitable for small holdings which comes into the market, and their officials are engaged continuously in inspecting and reporting on such land. The Board have arranged for particulars of all forthcoming sales of agricultural land to be sent to the county councils concerned as well as to the Board's District Commissioners. The land is then inspected and if found suitable the county council is authorised by the Board to bid for it.