asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can state the estimated cost of the housing which will be created by the Department of Agriculture on the farm of Wester Hailes; and from what financial sources this cost will be met?

The estimated cost of the building equipment on the 17 holdings to be formed on the farm of Wester Hailes is £12,805, and the cost will be met from the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund.

Is it right that the cost of housing within the area of a wealthy corporation like the City of Edinburgh should be borne out of the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund, which is so urgently needed to provide small holdings in the rural districts?

The allocation of the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund depends on the provisions of half-a-dozen different Acts. The matter is too complicated to be discussed within the limits of a Parliamentary question.

Is it right that the money should be used—

Mr. Hardie.