§ 31. Mr. BUCHANAN (for Mr. N. MACLEAN)asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will consider the 1014 advisability of obtaining powers to grant, as a subsidy to men desiring small holdings in Scotland, a sum equal to the amount paid as subsidy in assisted passages to emigrants from Scotland, and thereby induce people to colonise vacant land in Scotland?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe average contribution made by the State towards the cost of settling smallholders in Scotland is already greatly in excess of the subsidy for assisted passages to which the hon. Member refers. In the circumstances, I see no reason for proceeding in the manner suggested in the question.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a certain sum was set aside to assist emigration, and that only about one-fifth has been spent? Could not the other four-fifths be used in this direction?
§ 32. Mr. BUCHANAN (for Mr. N. MACLEAN)asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, as he has applications for small holdings from 12,000 people who are still waiting for land to cultivate, he will state when he intends putting into operation the compulsory powers he possesses to obtain sufficient land to satisfy the claims of the applicants in full?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe number of applications outstanding for new holdings, as opposed to enlargements, is 6,839, The progress of land settlement depends to a very large extent on the funds available rather than on the use compulsory powers. As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Dundee on the I4th April, land settlement is proceeding and will proceed in suitable areas as the means at my disposal will permit.