§ 69. Sir DONALD MACLEANasked the Secretary for Scotland whether any progress has been made in the provision of further small holdings in Peeblesshire?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)Negotiations are in progress for the acquisition of an estate in the county for a joint scheme of land settlement and afforestation. A further scheme under the Landholders Acts is under consideration.
§ Sir D. MACLEANWill my right hon. Friend assure me that every possible step will be taken to expedite the formation of these small holdings, in view of the demand which has existed for so long, and the delay which has taken place?
§ Mr. MUNROI think my right hon. Friend may rely that there will be no avoidable delay. I am quite aware he is interested in the scheme. The difficulty about carrying it through so far has been that it has been impossible to secure agreement, and the compensation is complicated and even prohibitive.
§ Major MACKENZIE WOODWhen is it expected that the first soldier will be settled on this estate?
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYWhy is there such an undue proportion between the 605 land acquired for small holdings in the counties of the Highlands and the Lowlands?
§ Mr. MUNROIt is extremely difficult to purchase the same amount of land in every county in Scotland. I have to take advantage of the opportunity as it arises.