§ 19. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of acres being cultivated as small holdings in Scotland; and the number of claims for small holdings that have not been met?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIn 1925, the last year for which particulars are available, the total area of crops and permanent grass included in holdings not exceeding 50 acres of crops and permanent grass, was 673,000 acres. Attached to these holdings was an area totalling from three to four million acres of rough grazings held severally or in common. At, 31st December, 1927, the Board of Agriculture had on their lists 4,924 outstanding applications for small holdings, exclusive of applications for enlargements.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs it not a fact that these claims would have been very much larger in number but for the fact that they have been restricted to ex-service men, and even these ex-service men have dropped off because they have not been supplied?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat is mere guesswork, because the regulations in regard to the limitation to ex-service men have been abrogated.
§ Mr. HARDIEDo the figures include applications from ex-service men which have been through all Departments, though they cannot get the small holdings?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWhat is the right hon. Gentleman doing to meet the demand for these small holdings?