§ Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a small holding in the county of Berwick, on lands belong to the Depart- 845W ment of Agriculture, is about to become vacant and selected applicants from the Department's list have been invited to say what rent they are prepared to pay if preferred for the tenancy; and whether the outgoing tenant is sitting under a fair rent and, if so, under what authority is this holding now put in the market for a competitive rent?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, Section 6 of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, requires the Department to let land acquired by them under the Small Holding Colonies Acts at such rent as in their opinion is reasonable and in these circumstances I considered its proper to ascertain on the occasion of a holding falling vacant the rent which suitable and qualified applicants are prepared to pay. The information thus furnished is at present being examined and will, I think, prove to be of value. As instructed by Section 6 (1) of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, the holding referred to will be let in due course at a reasonable rent and it is proposed to offer a lease under the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Acts.