§ Mr. WESTWOODasked the Secretary for Scotland how many applications have been made by ex-service men in Peebles-shire, Roxburghshire, and Selkirkshire for small holdings; how many have been placed; and if there are any further schemes in prospect for creating more small holdings in Peeblesshire and the South of Scotland, with a view to all approved applicants being provided for?
Mr. ADAMSONNinety-four applications from ex-service men have been received from the counties referred to. Of these 20 have been settled, and 42 have withdrawn their applications. There are no further schemes immediately in prospect in these particular counties, but schemes in other counties south of the Forth are in progress.
§ Major M. WOODasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction among ex-service applicants for small holdings by the Regulation of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, under which applications received subsequent to 1st March, 1921, are postponed to those lodged earlier; and whether he proposes to rescind the Regulation in question?
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Mr. ADAMSONI am aware that dissatisfaction exists in consequence of the Regulation referred to, but it seems not unreasonable that the earlier applicants should have preference over the later, and I should hesitate to rescind the Regulation without further investigation. The matter is, however, receiving my attention.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Secretary for Scotland how many applications for small holdings in Ross and Cromarty have been made since 1914; how many men have been settled on the land; and how many applications are still under consideration?
Mr. ADAMSONSince January, 1914, the numbers of applications received for new holdings and enlargements are respectively 794 and 397. During the same period, 311 applicants have been settled in new holdings and 368 in enlargements. Of the total applications received during the whole period from the 1st April, 1912, the numbers outstanding are 863 for new holdings and 540 for enlargements.