§ Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men on the South Lincolnshire land settlement scheme, near Spalding, are being subjected to a means test after 15 months' training; and whether, in view of the assurance given that it would not apply after 15 months, he will state what steps he proposes to take to discontinue this practice and remove the cause of present unrest?
§ Mr. ButlerI think the hon. Member is under some misapprehension. Applicants to the Unemployment Assistance Board who come in to these Land Settlement schemes receive their allowances during the period of training. At the end of this period they become independent small holders and pass out of the scope of the Board. The period of training is usually not more than 15 months but in a small number of cases the Land Settlement Association recommend that in the interests of the men concerned the period of training should be extended for a short time until they have reasonable chances of becoming self-supporting from their holdings. This is what has occurred in the Land Settlement Association estate at Fulney and the action taken is in the interests of the men concerned.