§ 4. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many holdings have been constituted by the Department of Agriculture in the industrial belt of Scotland during the last five years; and how many have been provided from the commencement with equipment for development on intensive lines?
§ Mr. Elliot878 holdings have been provided outside the crofting areas in the last five years. As regards the second part of the question, holdings intended for intensive cultivation are furnished with a standard equipment which the tenant is free to adapt or augment for his own purposes.
§ Mr. MathersDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that, especially for small holders with small resources, it would be well for the State to undertake further duties in this regard?
§ Mr. ElliotIt might be well to provide for equipment, but, of course, that would raise the cost to the small holders.
§ 5. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many complaints he has received during the last three years from smalholders, regarding dampness and insanitary conditions in houses on holdings; what is the largest number of complaints from any single scheme; and whether the dwellings are properly inspected and passed as fit for habitation prior to occupation and, if so, by whom?
§ Mr. ElliotI regret that the information asked for in the first two parts of the question is not readily available. As regards the last part of the question, all dwellings are inspected during construction and completed ready for occupation to the satisfaction of the appropriate officers of the local authorities in whose districts the work is being carried out and of qualified officers of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland.
§ Mr. MathersIs there any continuing examination of these dwelling houses?
§ Mr. ElliotI think they are only examined if and when a complaint is made about them. I think that takes place quite frequently.