HC Deb 04 April 1919 vol 114 cc1558-9W
Sir LEICESTER HARMSWORTH

asked the Secretary for Scotland what lands in the counties of Caithness and Sutherlandshire, respectively, have been secured by the Board of Agriculture for purposes of small holdings, and if he will state the approximate dates when the division is to be accomplished?

Mr. MUNRO

I would refer the hon. Baronet to the reply given on behalf of the Office of Woods and Forests which appeared in the OFFICIAL REPORT yesterday, as regards the constitution by the Board of small holdings on estates in Caithness belonging to the Crown. In Sutherland, the Board have secured the farms of Borgie (12,000 acres) and Shinness (16,000 acres). They hope to settle some holders on Shinness, Borgie, and two of the farms on the Dounreay estate (Caithness) at Whitsunday of this year. The rate of settlement will depend on how far it may be possible to overcome the serious difficulty experienced in providing buildings and other equipment under present conditions.