§ 38. Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Under Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether an instruction was issued by the Chairman of the Board of Agriculture, on or about the 16th March, 1922, directing the member of the Board in charge of land settlement schemes to communicate with the Scottish Land and Property Federation as to schemes proposed to be initiated, with a view to their making suggestions or representations on such schemes and to advise the federation of the Board's decisions on such schemes; whether the then Secretary for Scotland authorised the Chairman of the Board of Agriculture to give such instruction; and how many such communications have been made to the federation?
§ Captain ELLIOTIn May, 1922, an instruction was given by the Chairman of the Board, with the knowledge and approval of the then Secretary for Scotland, authorising an intimation to be made to the federation of the Board's wish to initiate a scheme in any particular district with an inquiry whether the members of the federation have any suitable land in the district which they would be prepared to make available for a scheme. The instruction provides that any suggestions or representations by the federation are to be considered, but that no delay will be allowed to take place on this account. The federation are to be advised of the Board's decision as to proceedings with a scheme. Communications of this kind have been made to the federation in three cases.
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMIs it not the case that it was denied in this House months ago that such an instruction was issued? Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman explain the discrepancy between that answer and the reply he has now given?
§ Captain ELLIOTThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The question put some months ago was whether schemes were submitted to the federation for their approval or modification. The instruction that was issued was that the Board desiring to buy land should inquire of people who had land to sell—a totally different thing, as the hon. Member will see.