§ 36. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will say how many ex-Servicemen have actually been settled on the land under arrangements made by the Board; for what number arrangements are in negotiation; and how many are pursuing courses of training with assistance from the Government, with a view to their taking up positions in agriculture or allied occupations?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe settlement of ex-Service men on the land is being carried on mainly through the county councils and it is not possible therefore to answer the several points raised by the hon. Baronet.
The Board have established four colonies on which about sixty-five men 27 are being employed with a view to subsequent settlement; and they have approved of over 200 officers for training with selected farmers. Courses of training have been started through the Ministry of Pensions and the Board, but it is not possible to give precise numbers of the personnel being so trained. As regards the acquisition of land, the Board and the councils are actively engaged in acquiring any suitable land that is available for the purpose in view.
§ Sir R. COOPERWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to give us an approximate idea how many ex-Service men are placed on the land?
Sir A. BOSCAWENCertainly. But the position will be greatly changed after the Land Settlement (Facilities) Bill has been passed. It is very difficult to give precise details at the present moment.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEHow many men are to be settled in these colonies?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill it be 200?
§ Captain REDMONDWill the Act apply to Ireland?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI was speaking entirely from the purview of the Board of Agriculture for England and Wales.