Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of small holdings in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively; and whether any facilities are available for ex-service men who desire to settle on the land?
Mr. GUINNESSThe number of agricultural holdings above one acre and not exceeding 50 acres in England, Wales and Scotland, respectively, as recorded in the Official Returns for 1925, was as follows:
England … … … 222,419 Wales … … … 42,368 Scotland … … … 50,536 It should be noted that the above figures include many holdings that are not occupied by smallholders, but are residential properties, accommodation fields, etc.
The land settlement scheme for ex-service men in England and Wales will be brought to an end on 31st March, 1926. Information in regard to the provision of holdings under the scheme will be found in the recently issued Report on Land Settlement in England and Wales, 1919 to 1924.
Similar information in regard to the settlement of ex-service men in Scotland is contained in the Annual Reports of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland.