§ 39. Mr. MILLARasked the Secretary for Scotland whether, having regard to the keen competition for farms and agricultural holdings in Scotland and to the limited number at present available, and to the growing practice under which the same tenant becomes the occupier of two or more farms or holdings, he is prepared to institute an inquiry as to the number of plural farms and agricultural holdings in Scotland, and to consider as to what steps ought to be taken to prevent the accumulation of a number of farms or agricultural holdings in the hands of the same tenant?
Mr. ADAMSONI am not satisfied that there is any necessity for a special inquiry on this subject, in view of the ordinary inquiries which are already made by the Board of Agriculture in connection with land settlement and other operations. As the hon. and learned Member is aware, the Board has powers under Section 7 (16) (a) of the Small Landholders' (Scotland) Act, 1911, to subdivide "led" farms if suitable and if required for the purpose of land settlement.
§ Mr. MILLARWill the right hon. Gentleman ascertain through the ordinary channels what is the number of plural holdings in Scotland, in relation to the larger holdings as well as to the small ones?