HC Deb 03 March 1922 vol 151 cc725-6W
Major W. MURRAY

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether a man who has served through the whole War and was demobilised in March, 1920, and who j served with the Auxiliary Force in Ireland until 24th January, 1922, is entitled to a preference on applying for a small holding; and, if so, what?

Mr. MUNRO

A man in the position stated by my hon. and gallant Friend would not be entitled to participate in the preference accorded to ex-service men under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919. If, however, it came to be a question as between him and a non-service applicant, I feel sure that, other things being equal, a preference would be given to him.

Major MURRAY

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether farm servants employed upon the Gretna farms now j being taken up for land settlement are being dispossessed of their houses, though under the terms of their engagement they are entitled to reside in the same until Whit Sunday, 1922; whether notice of their intention to resume these farms at Gretna at Martinmas, 1921, wag given to the tenants concerned by the Scottish Board of Agriculture prior to February, 1921, the usual hiring term; and, if not, whether he will compensate the farm servants now threatened with eviction or provide them with alternative accommodation?

Mr. MUNRO

I am aware that farm servants on certain of the farms referred to are being displaced, but I am not aware of the terms of their engagements. The Board acquired this property for land settlement purposes from the War Department. The notices referred to were served by the War Department in order to give the Board vacant possession. It is inevitable that in the process of settlement there will be disturbance of existing tenants and employees, but in I this and other cases the Board endeavour to minimise inconvenience or hardship to existing occupiers and the claims of all parties are fully considered. I cannot give any general undertaking of the nature suggested in the last part of the question.