§ 25. Major M. WOODasked how many schemes for the settlement of ex-service men initiated prior to 1922 were abandoned by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland in 1922; how many continued schemes have been converted into Part II purchase schemes in 1922; how many Part I and Part II schemes for settlement have been intiated in 1922; and how many men have been placed on such schemes?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThe reply to the first part of the question is 15; to the second part, 4; to the third part, one Part I scheme and 15 Part II schemes; and to the last part, 85.
§ Major WOODWhat was the reason for the abandonment of all those schemes?
§ Sir J. BAIRDIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question, I will get an answer.
§ 26. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the First Commissioner of Works, as re-presenting the Secretary for Scotland, the number of applicants for land, distinguishing ex-service men, who have been settled on the land in Orkney and Shetland, respectively, since the Armistice, and the number of applications still remaining to be dealt with?
§ Sir J. BAIRDIn Orkney the Board of Agriculture for Scotland have settled since the Armistice 10 civilian and nine ex-service applicants, the numbers remaining to be dealt with being 143 civilians and 113 ex-service applicants. In Shetland the corresponding figures are 64 and 89 settled and 462 and 153 outstanding.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONCan nothing be done to expedite this matter?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI know everything is being done that can be done.
§ 27. Major M. WOODasked the First Commissioners of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, how many men who have been given holdings under land settlement schemes instituted by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland have not yet had their rents fixed; and whether, in view of the unfairness of placing men in holdings without informing them of the financial liability they are incurring, he will take steps to put an end to this anomaly?
§ Sir J. BAIRDIn reply to the first part of the question, rents have been intimated in all but 29 cases. The second part of the question presumably refers to the total annual burdens, including building loan repayments. Holders are informed of approximate burden before entry, but the final figures cannot be notified till the completion of buildings. The position is at present complicated by the fall in building values, concerning which I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of 28th ultimo to the hon. Member for East Fife.