§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any decision has been reached to abandon the Land Settlement Scheme at Patrington, near Hull; if so, what arrangements will be made for the welfare of those at present occupied on the estate; and whether an opportunity will be given to discuss the matter in Parliament before a decision is come to?
§ Major Sir HARRY BARNSTON (Controller of the Household)I have been asked to reply My right hon. Friend has decided to bring the farm settlement at Patrington to an end at Lady Day, 1927, when the lease of the property will be surrendered to the Commissioners of Crown Lands, whose intention it is to let the greater part of the land again in large farms. It is hoped that many of the settlers will find employment under the new tenants.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill definite steps be taken to see that these men, most of them ex-soldiers who were placed on this land, will be given alternative holdings—on more suitable soil, if you like, but that they will be given some chance of carrying on?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that at present there are five times as many men employed on the Patrington Estate as were employed prior to the Government taking over the land? Is it the intention of the Minister to dispense with the services of at least 80 per cent. of these ex-service men?
§ Sir H. BARNSTONOn this estate there has been a loss every year except the first year, and the Ministry have a report pointing out that they cannot carry on the farm on the present basis except at a very heavy loss.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman say, if these men are taken out of employment, how much loss there will be in unemployment relief?
§ Sir H. BARNSTONThat is a question for a different Department.