§ 2. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDDERBURNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the approximate average cost of settling smallholders in the Highlands and Lowlands, respectively; and how these costs compare with the corresponding costs in 1929?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAs indicated by the Departmental Committee on Land Settlement in Scotland which reported in 1928, a close estimate of the cost of land settlement can only be obtained as the result of an actuarial valuation. In the circumstances it would be misleading to attempt a comparison of costs such as my hon. 2348 Friend desires; but if he would care to examine such figures as I have obtained, I shall be pleased to let him see them.
§ 3. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR - WEDDERBURNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a smallholder is invariably required to provide the whole of the capital necessary for his establishment or whether the Department can provide loans for this purpose to suitable applicants?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The holder usually provides the capital for stocking and working the holding, and the Department of Agriculture the capital for land and permanent equipment necessary for the establishment of the holder.