66. Major MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Departments concerned have now fixed the price at which the land designed for 1077 small holdings in the neighbourhood of the Gretna factory is to be transferred to the Scottish Board of Agriculture; and when he expects the transfer will be completed?
§ Mr. MUNROIn the event of the transfer to the Scottish Board of Agriculture taking effect, the question of the price to be paid for the land will be referred to arbitration. Proposals, however, have been received within the last few days from another source interested in agricultural and other rural industries for the acquisition of all the available agricultural land at Gretna, including the area referred to. These proposals are now receiving consideration. The purposes of acquisition would, in the event of the new proposals maturing, include the establishment of small holdings for suitable ex-service men, at least to the extent of area contemplated by the Board.