33. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland if arrangements have been made for the provision of credit facilities to ex-service men and others cultivating small holdings in Scotland; and whether he can see his way, under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, Section 16, to avail himself of the services and experiences of the Scottish Central Land Bank for this purpose?
§ Mr. MUNROThe case of ex-service men will be dealt with mainly under Section 29 of the Act of 1919. Subject to Treasury Regulations, loans will be made directly by the Board either to individuals or to co-operative societies formed on the settlements. For the purpose of Section 16 the Board do not propose to make use of a central institution such as the Scottish Land Bank, but to build up district credit institutions by federating local co-operative credit and other co-operative societies. This policy follows upon a decision by the Treasury.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYAre the arrangements referred to in the latter part of the question now being carried out, and have advances been made to the thousands of small holders, ex-service men, under Section 29 of the Act?
§ Mr. MUNROSpeaking from recollection, these arrangements are being carried out now. If my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question, I shall be able to give a fuller reply.