20. Mr. MACLEAN forasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the demand for smallholdings in the depressed mining areas in Scotland, and that many applications have already been submitted from such areas in Lanarkshire; what facilities are provided by his 951 Department to meet this demand; and will he consult with the local authorities concerned with the object of ascertaining how best to put these facilities into operation?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Department of Agriculture have powers to constitute new holdings, and in allocating the limited funds available due regard is had to the circumstances and needs of the mining areas. Local authorities in Scotland have no statutory duties in connection with smallholdings, but any views expressed by them would, of course, be carefully considered.