HC Deb 23 November 1920 vol 135 cc213-4
36. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAY

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether Treasury Regulations have been issued under which loans have been made to small holders under Section 29 of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919.

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)

The Treasury have not so far issued Regulations, but the periods of repayment and rate of interest for loans made by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland under Section 29 of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, have been prescribed by the Treasury and are operative.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Regulations will be issued, and is not delay to the disadvantage of smallholders?

Mr. MUNRO

I hope there will be no avoidable delay.

37. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can state the progress that has been made in building up district institutions under Section 16 of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919?

Mr. MUNRO

The Board of Agriculture are forming a district credit institution in the North of Scotland for the principal crofting counties. Such an institution will have to be built up partly of co-operative societies, which will be formed on the new settlements. It is apparent, therefore, that it cannot come into being immediately. There will, however, be no avoidable delay in the matter.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that credit facilities are equally desirable in other parts of Scotland as well as the crofter counties, and can he say if steps will be taken to introduce them there as well?

Mr. MUNRO

I shall bear that in mind.

40. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many land settlement schemes have been inaugurated in Scotland during last year, and how many schemes have been abandoned during the same period?

Mr. MUNRO

During the last year the Board of Agriculture for Scotland have had under consideration 102 land settlement schemes. Of these, 51 have been sanctioned and 43 abandoned.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the reason for the abandonment of those 43 cases?

Mr. MUNRO

I think probably lack of funds.

Major M. WOOD

May I ask when the Cabinet Committee which is considering this question is likely to finish its deliberations?

Mr. MUNRO

The draft Report was under consideration yesterday and I hope that the Report will be presented to the Cabinet at an early date.

Dr. MURRAY

Could not some of the money which is being used to settle Jews in Palestine be used to settle Highlanders in the Highlands?