§ 92. Captain R. TERRELLasked how many applications for allotments and small holdings have been made in Oxford shire by demobilised soldiers, by partly disabled soldiers, and by civilians; what stops have been taken to give effect to them; and what publicity has been made of the proper steps to be taken by these classes wishing to settle on the land?
Sir A. BOSCAWENEighty-three applications have been received from soldiers, but they do not distinguish partly disabled soldiers from others; sixty-five applications have been received from civilians. The county council have received an offer of over 200 acres, and have inspected the land, but none has as yet been acquired. A pamphlet entitled "Land Settlement in the Mother Country" has been distributed by the Board, the War Office and the 1095 Admiralty to any officer or man who desired information with regard to land settlement.
§ Captain TERRELLHow does the hon. Member propose to expedite the procedure to carry out the promises of the Government with regard to this form of land settlement?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI hope shortly to introduce the Land Settlement Facilities Bill which will expedite the procedure.
96. Sir F. HALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that demobilised soldiers desirous of taking small allotments of land are asked whether they have at least £10 an acre for the purpose of providing the necessary stock and implements for the same; and whether there are any public funds available to render financial assistance to individual prospective settlers; and, if not, what steps the Government intend to take to assist these persons to cultivate land?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe answer to my hon. Friend's question was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of the 4th instant.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask whether in regard to questions put down, and not reached before 3.45, the Government are right in circulating and printing the replies until the hon. Member concerned has had an opportunity of putting the question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNo; the rule is that a member of the Government before handing in the replies to any questions which have not been reached, should ask at the Table whether any instructions have been given to postpone the questions. If instructions have been so given, the answers should not be handed in.
Sir F. HALLAre the promises of the Government being fulfilled by saying soldiers shall have land if, for instance, the Government are not finding the necessary capital to enable them to stock and work the land?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI have already told the hon. and gallant Member, if he will only wait until the introduction of the Land Settlement Bill he will see that we are taking power to do that very thing, and we have not the power at the present time.
§ Sir M. DOCKRELLWill that Bill apply to Ireland?