§ 67. Mr. FENBYasked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of land are still being farmed by the Ministry on the Patrington Colony, East Yorkshire; how many ex-service men have ceased to be employed; how many are still employed; and how many are now under notice of dismissal; and whether he can state the reasons why these men have been dismissed or are under notice of dismissal?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)The land which was formerly used for the purposes of the Patrington Farm Settlement was surrendered to the Commissioners of Crown Lands on 5th April, 1927, and none of 273 it is now being farmed by the Ministry. The total area was 2,363 acres, of which 991 acres have been let to tenants, the remaining 1,372 acres being still in hand. On 5th April, 1927, 29 ex-service men, formerly employed on the settlement, remained. Four of these men have since left voluntarily to take up other work, and three others, who are now tenants of smallholdings under the Commissioners, have been dismissed from regular employment, but will continue to be employed, if they wish, for occasional work on the farms in hand. In accordance with the universal practice of the district, married horsemen are being replaced by hired lads, working under a head horseman, and this change will necessitate the dismissal of three more men from regular employment; but these men will be allowed for the present to remain in occupation of their cottages, and efforts will be made to provide them with temporary work so long as they require it.
§ Mr. RILEYHas the right hon. Gentleman had any applications from the dismissed men for small holdings, and is any of the land left over being considerably settled?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI mentioned in my answer that three of the men who have been dismissed have been given small holdings. I am not sure whether any further application has been made, but I will inquire.
§ Mr. RILEYIs the right hon. Gentleman considering the question of dividing the remaining land into small holdings?
§ Mr. GUINNESSWe have provided certain small holdings, at considerable expense, but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, this land is not peculiarly suitable for small holdings.