§ 86 and 87. Major McKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary for Scotland (1) the number of small holdings constituted by landowners in Scotland of their own free will in terms of Section 35 of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911; and whether he will see that this information be given in future Annual Reports of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland;
(2) the number of small holdings registered in terms of Section 33 of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911; and whether he is prepared to instruct that this information be in future attached to the Annual Report of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Adamson)Statistics are not available on the two points put by the hon. and gallant Member. I will consider the question whether information on these points can be given in future Reports of the Board of Agriculture.
§ Major WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the Net has not been carried out?
§ 88. Major WOODasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has given special consideration to the decision of the Scottish Land Court affecting the question of land settlement in deer forests, which is referred to in page 18 of the last Report of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland; whether he is aware that this decision makes it practically impossible to settle smallholders on deer forest land on account of the cost of fencing; and whether he will initiate legislation to repeal the provisions of the Act of 1919, which places upon the State the burden of fencing land taken for small holdings?
Mr. ADAMSONThe reply to the first, part of the question is in the affirmative. I appreciate the difficulties which arise from the decision referred to, but I am not at present satisfied that its application is as wide as the hon. and gallant Member suggests. I am examining the position further, and will, if necessary, consider whether any amending legislation is expedient.
§ Major WOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree with the Board of Agriculture that this has practically 1466 stopped land settlement on deer forest lands, and is he prepared to do nothing in face of that?