HC Deb 25 June 1935 vol 303 cc927-8
13. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many smallholdings have been created in Scotland in each of the last four years, and how many applications for them are still unsatisfied?

Mr. SKELTON

The numbers of new smallholdings and enlargements of holdings constituted in each of the years 1331 to 1934 were respectively 204, 71, 151 and 141. The numbers of unsatisfied applications at 31st May, 1935, were 6,275 for new holdings and 3,062 for enlargements. It cannot, however, be assumed that the whole of these unsatisfied applicants are suitable in respect of experience or have the necessary resources.

Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Can the hon. Member give any indication as to how many of these 6,000 applicants are likely to be suitable—what sort of proportion of the 6,000?

Mr. SKELTON

No, certainly not without notice.

Sir M. MACDONALD

In future, in the settlement of land cases of this kind, will my hon. Friend allow the Land Court to settle the rent, particularly in view of the fact that in a recent decision of the Land Court the settlement come to by the officers of the Department has been overturned?

Mr. SKELTON

With regard to the Land Court rent, all applicants settled under present legislation have the right to go to the Land Court for refixing the rent at the end of seven years.