29. Sir MALCOLM SMITHasked the Secretary for Scotland (1) whether the land settlement schemes at Queensgarth and at Skaw, Shetland, which the Scottish Board of Agriculture stated they expected to complete by November, 1921, have yet been adjusted; if not, will he arrange that these settlements are now completed with as little delay as possible;
(2) the number of ex-service men who have been placed on the land in Orkney and in Shetland, respectively, under schemes promoted by the Scottish Board of Agriculture, the number of applicants still awaiting settlement in these counties, and what prospects there are for an early adjustment of these?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)The number of ex-service men settled in Shetland under schemes promoted by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland is 46. None have, so far, been settled in Orkney. The numbers of ex-service applicants on the Board's lists awaiting settlement are 165 in Orkney and 203 in Shetland. Schemes have reached an advanced stage for the settlement of holders at Store, Westness and Lopness in Orkney which will provide 20 new holdings and 10 enlargements, and at Fetlar, Skaw and Veensgarth in Shetland, where 44 new holdings and 59 enlargements will be provided. In the case of Skaw, arrangements have been completed for putting the scheme into operation at Martinmas, 1922. It is hoped that the procedure in connection with Veensgarth may be completed in time to allow.entry at the same date.