§ Mr. W. YOUNGasked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state the extent of the land acquired in Scotland for the settlement of discharged soldiers and sailors; the number of men actually in possession at Martinmas last; and the total acreage of land converted into small holdings in Scotland since the beginning of 1915?
§ Mr. MUNROTwenty-six thousand six hundred and fourteen acres have been acquired by gifts or under the Small Holdings Colonies Acts. In addition, 90,173 acres have been purchased under the Congested Districts Act, mainly for ex-Service men, and 58,771 acres have been made available under the Landholders Acts since the outbreak of war, much of which will be allotted to ex-Service men. In addition to the ninety-two ex-Service men who were settled prior to Martinmas, as stated in my reply to a question on the 10th ultimo by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Aberdeen, agreements have been454W made for entry to 163 new holdings and for forty-four enlargements. It is not yet known precisely how many men have availed themselves of their right to take actual occupation. In reply to the third part of the question, the total acreage is 91,284 acres.
§ Major M'KENZIE WOODasked the Secretary for Scotland when the Board of Agriculture got entry into the farms of Midlocharwood, Dumfriesshire, and Aratella, Ross-shire, which were acquired under the Small Holdings Colonies Acts; and how many ex-Service men have been settled on them to date?
§ Mr. MUNROThe Board obtained entry to Midlocharwood at Whitsunday, 1918. It is used principally as a training centre for ex-Service men, of whom seven are in residence. In addition, one holding has been formed and is occupied by an ex-Service man. The Board entered the farm of Aratella at Martinmas, 1918. One-third of it is used as a central farm. Agreements have been made with fourteen ex-Service men for entry to holdings on the remainder of the farm as from Martinmas last.