HC Deb 08 July 1926 vol 197 cc2249-51
38. Mr. RILEY

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of applications to county councils and county borough councils from ex-service men and others for land for small holdings waiting to be dealt with on 31st March, 1926?

Under the Land Settlement Scheme Councils were required to give preference to ex-service men, with the result that, since the War, very few civilian applicants have been provided with holdings. By a decision of the Government in 1920 the preference was limited to ex-service men who applied for holdings before 1st December, 1920. The required information is as follows:
— Approved but not yet provided with holdings. Awaiting interview or standing over.
1.—Number of applications from Ex-Service men:
(a) Made before 1st December, 1920 2,526 771
(b)Made after 1st December, 1920 1,316 3,291
2.—Number of applications from civilians 2,770 4,173
6,612 8,235
39. Mr. RILEY

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total additional acreage

in the question for various classes of meat:

Mr. GUINNESS

As the reply contains a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member' permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT,

Following is the reply

of land acquired by county councils, borough councils, and the Ministry of Agriculture, respectively, from 1st January, 1925, to 31st March, 1926, and the number of additional tenants settled upon such land by the respective authorities?

Mr. GUINNESS

The area acquired by county councils during the period stated was 697 acres, and the number of holdings provided on such area 57. No land was acquired by councils of county boroughs or the Ministry, but 884 acres of land previously acquired by the Ministry for farm settlements and let on lease as ordinary farms came in hand, and an area of 696 acres was divided into 22 small holdings, the remainder being added to existing holdings.

Mr. RILEY

Is the amount of the land referred to likely to be at all adequate to supply the applicants who are waiting?

Mr. GUINNESS

No, certainly not; and that is why we are proposing to make further legislative provision for the supply of holdings. The hon. Member's question covered the period at the end of the ex-service men's settlement scheme which we are now winding up.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

When are we going to get this legislation which is going to present an opportunity to thousands of these men who are anxious to get on the land?

Mr. GUINNESS

I hope we shall introduce a Bill in a week or two.

Commander WILLIAMS

Should we not get the Bill a little quicker if there was more order on the other side?