§ 30. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that the ex-service men smallholders at Linlithgow are experiencing much difficulty owing to the lack of water facilities on their holdings; that they deny entering into a contract with his Department regarding the spreading of road metal on the roads in the vicinity, but merely agreed to patch certain parts in their spare time; and whether he will personally investigate their complaints or cause further inquiries to be made?
§ Captain ELLIOTMy Noble Friend is informed that there is a shortage of water only when the windmill pump fails to function in continued calm weather. The Board of Agriculture are willing to provide means to overcome this difficulty if the holders will undertake maintenance and management. He is not aware of the reason why the men at present decline to cart and spread road metal supplied free by the Board, but he is informed that they originally gave a verbal undertaking to do so where required, and that a supply of metal was so dealt with in 1921. Further inquiries are being made by the Board into the complaints.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it desirable, in the interests of these ex-service men who are now located on these small holdings, to impose further burdens in the way indicated by the Department? Is it not desirable that these men should be relieved of such burdens, in order that they may make a comfortable living on these small holdings?
§ Captain ELLIOTI would point out to the hon. Member that the arrangement as to the supply of road metal was defined in 1921, and that it is, therefore, not an additional burden.