i86 



Questions in Parliament, 



[may, 



Land Settlement. — In reply to a question by Captain Coote, the 

 Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry stated that the number of 

 men settled on the land in England and Wales under the Land 

 Settlement (Facilities) Act, 191 9, was as follow : — 



Number of men actually settled (civilians 



and ex-service men) . . . . . . 5,794 on 79,631 acres. 



Total acreage acquired, or agreed to be 

 acquired, by the County Councils with 

 the Ministry's approval .. 187,590 acres. 



Average cost of land per acre . . . . 4s. 



Number of applications outstanding (ex- 

 service men and civilians) : — 



Approved and awaiting land . . 20,060 



Waiting interview, and standing over 10,890 



30-950 



Loans guaranteed (figures only available 



up to 31st December, 1 91 9) .. .. 10 for a total of ,575. 



He added that full information had not yet been received from the 

 Councils as to the terms (including rent) on which the holdings had 

 been let to those men already in occupation. Moreover, certain questions 

 of equipment were still outstanding, and it was, therefore, not possible 

 at present to supply precise information. 



He further stated that in addition to this the Ministry had acquired 

 28,294 acres for the purposes of farm settlements, and that out of a 

 total of 1,891 applicants, 697 had been approved, and of these 511 men 

 were already settled. Forty-eight applicants were awaiting interview. 

 The remaining applications had either been withdrawn or rejected. 

 (19th April, 1920.) 



The Titchfield Farm Settlement. — In reply to a question by Mr. R. 

 Young regarding the Titchfield Farm Settlement, the Parliamentary 

 Secretary to the Ministry stated that the area of this Settlement was 

 1,392 acres, and that the purchase price was ;^55,8oo. At present 230 

 acres were let to 76 ex-service men, the rent being £^ per acre for the 

 first year and £5 per acre subsequently. The rents paid by small 

 holders previous to the property being purchased by the Ministry 

 varied in amount, but averaged about ^3 per acre. This rent was paid 

 for the bare land which the tenants had themselves to clear and get 

 into good order. The Ministry was getting the land into thoroughly 

 good order before letting it, and was also providing facilities for the hire 

 of horses, implements, etc. Demonstration plots were also being 

 established. In view of these advantages and the increased rate of 

 interest now existing, it had been found necessary to fix a higher standard 

 of rent. (14th April, 1920.) 



Agrricultural Wag^ee. — In reply to a question by Captain Fitzroy, 

 the Parliamentary Secretarj^ to the Ministry stated that the impending 

 rise in wages of 4s. was anticipated and taken into account when the 

 recent announcement with regard to wheat prices w^ made. If it 

 should become necessary to revise these prices in the future, due con- 

 sideration would be given to any variations in the cost of production. 

 (19th April, 1920.) 



County Ag:ricultural Committees. — In reply to a question by Captain 

 Coote, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry stated that schemes 

 for the formation of Count^^ Agricultural Committees had been received, 



