HC Deb 04 August 1925 vol 187 cc1159-60
28. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of ex-service men who have applied for land in each county in England and Wales and the number that have been settled; whether there are yet any outstanding applications; and whether any facilities exist in his Department for training ex-service men or women in land work?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Edward Wood)

I am sending the hon. Member a printed statement giving the particulars for which he asks in the first part of his question. A similar statement giving more recent information is in course of preparation, and I shall be glad to send him a copy as soon as it is issued. With regard to the last part, the general system of agricultural education which is provided by agricultural colleges and county councils, with the aid of grants from the Ministry, is, of course, open to ex-service men and women.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the number of ex-service men who have been settled?

Mr. WOOD

This is a rather long statement, and perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will allow me to circulate it.

Colonel DAY

Can we just have the number of men settled?

Sir J. NALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of men who have been settled on small holdings in this way have failed because their wives have not been trained in their part of the work, and could he confer with the Board of Education in order that the womenfolk may be trained in this class of work?

Mr. WOOD

I am obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for his suggestion, and I will take steps to see what can be done. In reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Southwark (Colonel Day), the total number settled since 1918 is 22,762.