Mr. LEICESTER HARMSWORTHasked the Secretary for Scotland what steps have been taken by the Agricultural Commissioners to enlist the interest of the small landholders of Scotland in the benefits of co-operation?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe subject is one of those occupying the attention of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland in 1757W connection with the other pressing work which they have in hand. Work of the kind referred to for the purpose of enlisting the interest of small landholders in Scotland in the benefits of co-operation is regularly undertaken by the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society — which exists mainly for the object of promoting co-operation among the agricultural community. This society is officially recognised and is assisted by Grants, made upon the recommendation of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, by the Development Commission.
Mr. LEICESTER HARMSWORTHasked the Secretary for Scotland, whether his attention has been drawn to the fact 1758W that the low scale of pay received by farm servants in parts of Scotland prevents them, owing to their inability to provide the cost of the stocking, etc., of a holding, from taking advantage of the facilities for securing new holdings provided by the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act; and, if so, whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view of arriving at some method by which farm servants can be assisted in this respect?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI will look into the matter raised by my hon. Friend, but I may say that we have a number of applications from farm servants who have saved enough for the purpose of stocking, small holdings.