HC Deb 27 April 1937 vol 323 c163
32. Mr. W. Joseph Stewart

asked the Minister of Labour the number of acres of land that have been purchased in Durham for land settlement schemes; the amount paid per acre; the number of families placed on full-time holdings; and the total cost of each placing?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The area of land purchased in Durham for the settlement of unemployed men on full-time holdings is 1,544 acres. The average price paid for the land was £26 5s. per acre. The number of holdings provided is 230 and the number of families placed on holdings to date is 93, of whom, in the case of one scheme, 19 will continue to live in the village adjoining the scheme, and 74 have been moved to their holdings. The cost of the land and development averages £787 per holding. In addition, working capital is provided at the rate of £260 per man, of which £130 is repayable, without interest.