§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary for Scotland what are held to be the minimum number of applicants for small holdings in any one district to enable the scheme for the settlement of ex-service men upon the land effective; whether those individuals who apply to settle on land which is held to offer little prospects of providing a livelihood are advised to transfer their applications to the next most suitable neighbourng area; and how far have colonies of ex-service men been successful on a co-operative basis?
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§ Mr. MUNROThe projection of a small holdings scheme in any one district is not wholly governed by the extent of the demand from that district; it involves other considerations, for example, the necessitous conditions of the applicants and the availability and suitability of land for settlement. Applicants who apply for areas that are not suitable or available may apply for settlement in other areas. Colony settlements have not been long enough in operation to enable a reliable judgment to be formed about them, but I am advised that the holders on all settlements made by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland are prospering at the moment.