HC Deb 25 March 1920 vol 127 cc583-4
86. Mr. ALFRED SHORT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he can state the number of ex-service men who have been re-settled upon the land?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir ROBERT SANDERS (Lord of the Treasury)

According to the latest information in possession of the Ministry the number of ex-service men settled on the land is as follows:—

On estates of county councils and county boroughs 4,372
On the Ministry's farm settlements 454
Total 4,826

A considerable area of land will come into possession of county councils this Lady Day, and it is, therefore, expected that the number of men settled will be materially increased in the course of a few weeks.

Mr. SHORT

In view of the very small number that have been resettled I would like to ask if there are any trade union Regulations standing in the way?

Mr. RAFFAN

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how many soldiers have applied for small holdings whose applications are still unsatisfied?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise.

Captain REDMOND

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman's answer apply only to this country or to Ireland as well?

Sir R. SANDERS

I must ask for Notice.