§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN (Birmingham, W.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the Government are able to give any facilities for the completion of the discussion on the Small Holdings Bill, which was adjourned on Wednesday, May 10; and, if not, whether, in view of the general expression of opinion in favour of an increase in the number of cultivating owners of land, the Government will agree to the immediate appointment of a Select Committee to consider by what means, either in connection with Local Government or otherwise, this object can most effectually be accomplished; how far the practice of small ownership and cultivation has diminished in this country; and, whether there is any evidence to show whether such diminution is due to legislation?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)In answer to the right hon. Gentleman, I have to say that Her Majesty's Government regret that, having regard to the present state of Business in this House, they are unable to afford facilities for the further discussion of the Small Holdings Bill; but they will willingly co-operate in the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the question of small holdings, and especially the points to which the right hon. Member calls attention.