§ Mr. SINKINSONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether legislation is forthcoming fin the immediate future giving to the farmer security of tenure, to occupier the occupier's right to improve, and the occupier's right to compensation for improvements?
Mr. W. ADAMSONI have received representations from the National Farmers' Union of Scotland in favour of the amendment of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act in the directions indicated by the hon. Member. The matter is engaging my attention.
Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the serious position of agriculture in Scotland, he will consider summoning a conference of all parties in the agricultural industry in order to consider what measures can be taken?
Mr. ADAMSONIn view of the conference I had in Edinburgh on Saturday last with representatives of practically all the agricultural bodies, I do not think that a further conference is necessary meantime.
§ Mr. DUDGEONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if arrangements have been completed for the formation of the Agriculture Security Company under Part I of the Agriculture Credits (Scotland) Act, 1929?
Mr. ADAMSONI would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on this subject on 19th November, and to which I am not yet in a position to add.
Mr. R. W. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of agricultural holdings in Scotland of not more than 50 acres in extent or not more than £50 annual rental; the number of holdings of more 272W than 50 but not more than 100 acres or the rental of which is above £50 but not more than £100; and the total area of land in both categories?
Mr. ADAMSONThe number of agricultural holdings in Scotland exceeding one and not exceeding 50 acres of land under crops and permanent grass, as returned on 4th June, 1929, is 50,346, and the number exceeding 50 and not exceeding 100 acres is 10,166. The total acreage of holdings of each class was last ascertained in 1925, when the figures were as follow:
Holdings. Total Acreage. 1 to 50 acres … … 672,717 50 to 100 acres … … 753,857 As stated above, these figures refer only to laud under crops and permanent grass, and do not include rough grazings. The numbers of holdings included within the limits of rental mentioned in the hon. Member's question are not available.
§ Mr. RAMSAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that there is a desire on the part of 20 men resident in the island of Eriskay for small holdings in the island of Canna, Inner Hebrides, as a means of increasing the earning capacity of their families; and whether he will consider the matter with a view to satisfying this request if at all possible?
Mr. ADAMSONThe answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative, but I must not be held as promising that a scheme can be undertaken by the Department of Agriculture.