HC Deb 10 November 1919 vol 121 cc79-80W
Major M'KENZIE WOOD

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will give the number of Service men who have applied for holdings of land in Scotland through the Board of Agriculture, for Scotland, the Labour Exchanges, the Appointments Department, the Small Holdings and Rural Employment Bureau, and the Young Men's Christian Association bureaux; the number of applications which have been received from other than Service men; and the number of discharged men settled on holdings to date and expected at Martinmas, 1919?

Mr. MUNRO

Up to 31st ultimo, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland had received from civilians 6,739 applications for new holdings, and 4,750 for enlargement of existing holdings; and from ex-Service men 2,524 applications for new holdings, and one application for enlargement. I am informed that no applications have been made to the Employment Exchanges and only one to the Appointments Department, which has been passed on to the Board within the last few days. The number of applications made to the other bodies mentioned in the question cannot be stated, but as these applications would presumably be transferred to the Board as the statutory authority entrusted with the work of Land Settlement the figures quoted may be regarded as the present ascertained demand for small holdings. Ninety-two discharged men have been settled on the land to date. It is expected that 200 additional men will be settled at Martinmas, though actual entry at that term may not be possible in all cases owing to difficulties in connection with buildings.