§ 22. Major M. WOODasked the Secretary for Scotland whether Sir Arthur Rose, D.S.O., still retains the position of Director of Land Settlement on the Board of Agriculture for Scotland; how many proposed schemes for land settlement have been abandoned by the Board since his appointment in 1920; how many men have actually been settled on the land upon schemes initiated by him; whether Sir Arthur was employed in transport work during the coal strike; how much remuneration he has received in return for all the duties specified above; and whether Sir Arthur retained his interest in the firm of Messrs. Craig and Rose, paint and varnish manufacturers, Leith, during the period he was engaged in Government work?
Mr. MURRAYThe reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The appointment of Sir Arthur Rose as Director of Land Settlement under the Board of Agriculture for Scotland was a temporary appointment and was terminated at his request on the 31st of March. During his tenure of office the Board decided not to proceed with 19 proposed schemes of land settlement, and 717 withdrew 19 notices of their intention to prepare schemes. Under schemes initiated by Sir Arthur Rose, 532 holders have been settled to date. It is anticipated that the arrangements made under his direction will result ultimately in the settlement of a further number, of holders estimated at 890. He also directed the settlement of 694 holders under schemes initiated prior to his appointment. During the mining dispute of last year Sir Arthur Rose gave valuable help in maintaining the necessary public services, but received no extra remuneration for the performance of these duties. As Director of Land Settlement he received a salary of £1,200 per annum with the usual bonus in respect of the increased cost of living. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply to his question of the 27th of April, 1920, given by my right hon. Friend. In the special circum. stances of this appointment, it was arranged that Sir Arthur Rose should be allowed facilities for exercising some measure of supervision over his permanent business interests on the understanding that his official duties would have first call upon his services. This understanding has been most loyally observed, and I may add that Sir Arthur's work in connection with land settlement is not the least of many public services which he has rendered.