HC Deb 02 March 1926 vol 192 cc1216-7
28. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of ex-service men who have applied for small holdings in Scotland; and how many have been placed?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The numbers of applications received by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland from ex-service men, excluding those withdrawn subsequent to lodgment, are 5,704 for new holdings and 328 for enlargements of existing holdings. Of these applicants, 1,976 and 211, respectively, have been settled by the Board.

29. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of small holdings that were being operated in Scotland prior to 1914; the number that have been granted each year since then; and the number of applicants who are still waiting upon the granting of small holdings?

Sir J. GILMOUR

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

Following is the answer:

In 1913 there were 51,614 holdings in Scotland not exceeding 50 acres in size. There were also a number of holdings exceeding 50 acres in size, the annual rent of which did not exceed £50, but I have no accurate information regarding these. The numbers of new holdings constituted each year since 1913 are as follows:

1914 … … … 318
1915 … … … 70
1916 … … … 52
1917 … … … 29
1918 … … … 11
1919 … … … 282
1920 … … … 227
1921 … … … 415
1922 … … … 433
1923 … … … 322
1924 … … … 269
1925 … … … 102
The outstanding applications at the present time number 6,838.