§ 9. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken to provide George Ross, of North Cluanie, Glenshill, and his brother with small holdings; whether he is aware that George Ross served in the Army from August, 1914, to 1919, and that he and his brother applied to the Scottish Board of Agriculture while in the Army in France and whether he is aware that they have since applied to the Board of Agriculture, and that they are at present unemployed and without land?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAn application by these men on the grounds stated in the question is at present before the Board, and inquiries are proceeding relative to the possibility of providing holdings at North Cluanie.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not the case that these individuals sent in their applications while they were serving in the Army in France; and does it take the right hon. Gentleman a matter of 10 years to find suitable land in this part of Scotland to give these two men small holdings?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I made application some time ago to the Board of Agriculture asking them to give special consideration to the case of these two men who are very deserving applicants; and will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that, in the consideration of the whole question, their cases are not overlooked?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am aware that the right hon. Gentleman drew the attention of the Board to the circumstances of these cases. All I can say at present is that the Board is investigating the circumstances in the hope of finding some solution.
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to my Supplementary Question Does it take the Board of Agriculture 10 years to find, in this part of Scotland, suitable ground for small holdings for two ex-service men? Could not this matter have been dealt with long ago? The right hon. Gentleman has been Secretary of State for Scotland for several years, and the matter has not come to an end yet.