HC Deb 02 August 1935 vol 304 cc3002-3W
Sir M. MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the total amount received by the Department of Agriculture since 1919 as rent from smallholders; the present total amount of arrears of rent; and the total amount of rent payable for the current year?

Sir G. COLLINS

The total amount received by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland since 1st April, 1919, as rent from smallholders is £466,000; the total amount of arrears of rent due by smallholders at 31st March, 1935, was £17,300; and the total amount due as rent from smallholders for the year 1934–35 was £51,900.

Sir M. MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the total number of smallholders settled in the Highlands and Islands by the Department since 1919, and the total number of such smallholders who have been charged rent only, rent and interest and/or instalments on sheep stock loans, rent and building annuities, and rent, building annuities, and interest and/or instalments on sheep stock loans, respectively?

Sir G. COLLINS

The total number of smallholders settled on new holdings and enlargements in the Highlands and Islands by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland since 1919 is 3,032. In addition 395 holders have been settled on holdings which have fallen vacant since 1919.

The apportionment of these holders as desired in the question is as follows:—

Holders paying

(a) rent only 1,891
(b) rent and interest and/or instalment on sheep stock loans 228
(c) rent and building loan annuity 681
(d) rent, building loan annuity and interest and/or instalment on sheep stock loans 232
Total 3,032