§ 72. Mr. SIDNEY ROBINSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture what money has been expended on the Pembrey farm colony and how many houses have been or are being erected on the estate and how many discharged soldiers have been settled in the colony or what prospect there is of any settlements being made?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe expenditure to date on the Pembrey settlement, including purchase money, is approximately £66,000. Twelve houses are in course of erection, and are approaching completion. Seventeen ex-service men and 2 ex-service women have been settled at Pembrey. In addition 20 civilians are employed there. The question of the future of this settlement has been discussed by a Departmental Committee, and their report is receiving the careful consideration of the Minister.
§ Mr. ROBINSONWhen shall we have the report of this Committee?
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTCan my right hon. Friend say how much it has cost to settle each of these persons on a small holding; does it not work out at something like £3,000 apiece?
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes, but the place is not completed£[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"]£obviously! I have stated that a certain number of houses are building and have not yet been completed; until they are completed how on earth can we settle the men? But I put it to my right hon. Friend: would it not be much better to reserve the discussion until the report is published?
§ Mr. BILLINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman wish it to go forth to the country that it is costing us £3,000 a time to settle these men on the land£that is what he said just now?