§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary for Scotland how many local authorities have assisted in land settlement of ex-service men in Scotland; how many ex-service men are at present settled on the land; how many have applied to be settled on the land and have had their application approved by the Scottish Office; and what are the outstanding difficulties that hamper the scheme from being carried out?
§ Mr. MUNROLand settlement in Scotland is carried out by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland and not by local authorities. 379 ex-service men have been settled out of a total of 5,529 applicants and 295 additional ex-service men are expected to be settled on the 28th November. Officers of the Board have so far reported on 2,792 applicants, of whom 2,732 have been approved. The main outstanding difficulties arise from the existence of current leases, shortage of labour and building materials, and the high cost of equipment.