§ 22. Mr. LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of small holdings existing in Scotland is practically the same now as in 1912, although the Board of Agriculture reports that, 2,902 new holdings have been formed during the 14 years since 1912; and whether he will give an explanation of this fact?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The explanation desired by the hon. Member is that the creation of new holdings is offset by the discontinuance of existing holdings largely owing to merger in other holdings.
§ 23. Mr. LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary for Scotland, in view of the statements in the Fourteenth Report of the Board of Agriculture that the most suitable and best qualified of the ex-service applicants have been provided for, that only 83 ex-service applicants were reported on unfavourably, and that the strict preference accorded to ex-service men during recent years should be relaxed, if he will state what steps the Government intends to take to secure holdings for the 3,803 ex-service men whose applications are shown as still outstanding?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe number of outstanding applications from ex-service men includes a large proportion which cannot be dealt with at present because the applicants do not possess the necessary capital or experience to enable them to undertake the obligations incumbent on smallholders or because they have applied for land which is not available for land settlement purposes. The constitution of small holdings in Scotland is proceeding, as far as the funds at my disposal permit and where land suitable for the purpose is available. In selecting men for settlement preference will he given, other things being equal, to suitable ex-service applicants
§ Mr. SKELTONWhat is the amount available during the current year?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. RILEYIs it not the case that there are a number of outstanding applications for small holdings from men who are not ex-service men?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWe have a number of applications from men who are not ex-service men, but I could not give the number without notice.
§ 18. Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIRasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to Section 10 of the Government White Paper on Agricultural Policy; and whether it is his intention to introduce legislation with the object of providing that the bona fide farm servant will be assisted to acquire as his own property a cottage and a small area of land which he can cultivate in addition to his earnings?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The general statement in the paragraph respecting the development of small holdings on sound lines applies to Scotland as well as to England and Wales. I propose to pursue this policy under the powers which already exist. The concluding sentences in the paragraph on the subject of proposed legislation empowering county councils to continue and extend the provision of small holdings and cottage holdings, and in particular to make provision for the purpose mentioned in the question, relates to the methods and conditions applicable in England and Wales. As at present advised, I do not think that any sufficient purpose would be served by conferring powers for this purpose on county councils in Scotland.