HC Deb 11 June 1894 vol 25 cc800-1
COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to the Report of Mr. R. Pringle upon the condition of certain agricultural lands in Essex; and whether, considering the necessity for immediate relief from a state of affairs so disastrous, he is prepared to suggest any remedial measures between this date and the issue of the Report of the Royal Commission?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. H. GARDNER,) Essex, Saffron Walden

I am afraid I can only refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House and myself to the similar questions which were addressed to us a few days ago by the hon. Members for the North Eastern and South Eastern Divisions of Essex. It was with a view to consider whether any remedial measures were practicable to meet the depression in agriculture, which exists in so acute a form in the particular district visited by Mr. Pringle, that the Royal Commission was constituted, and we should be only too happy to find that the ability and labour they are devoting to the subject have had a successful result.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman permit me to point out the latter part of my question refers to the necessity of immediate relief in regard to a state of things which is simply disastrous. Is it not improbable that the Royal Commission will be able to report during the present year?

MR. H. GARDNER

I have no special information as to when the Commission will report, but it is quite possible, I think, that they may report this year. At the same time, I would point out to the hon. Member that there are no instant and immediate measures possible, which could be applied to the state of affairs in Essex.

COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that over-competition in the labour market in the towns, and particularly in Metropolitan Districts, is produced by the existing agricultural depression, more especially in districts adjacent to the Metropolis?

MR. H. GARDNER

I am not.

COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT

I will on an early day call attention to the matter.