Mr. Leslie askedthe Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the number of applications for smallholdings and enlargements in the Highlands and Islands at present on the books; and the number in either case that have been settled within the past 12 months?
§ Mr. ColvilleDuring 1938 the number of applications received from the Highlands and Islands for new holdings and for enlargements was 98 and 8 respectively; and the numbers settled 39 and 4 respectively. At 31st December last the numbers of applicants recorded in the Department's books as desiring new holdings or enlargements in the Highlands and Islands were 3,009 and 2,980 respectively. Of these applications, however, a high proportion is known to be ineffective.