§ 2. Captain Dowerasked the Minister of Labour the number of acres purchased in Cumberland 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?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe area of land purchased in Cumberland for the settlement of unemployed men on full-time holdings is 2,158 acres. The average price paid for the land is £21 5s. per acre. The number of holdings to be provided is 187 and the number of families placed on holdings to date is 49. In addition, 29 men have been placed on the land in advance of their families. In respect of 133 holdings for which figures are at present available, the estimated cost of setting up each holding is £989. In addition, working capital is provided at the rate of £260 per man, of which £130 is repayable without interest.
§ Captain DowerWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether he will consider increasing land settlement schemes in West Cumberland as they are undoubtedly doing a lot to provide employment?