§ MR. HARMOOD-BANNERI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether it is intended to dismiss the present Crown Receiver; and, if so, for what reason; what steps are being taken to fill the position; what qualifications will be required for the position; and what remuneration will be paid to the next Receiver.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYNotice has been given to the two firms who act at present as agents for the Crown lands that their services will not be required in future so far as concerns the agricultural properties which are to be placed under the charge of my noble friend. My noble friend desires me to say that the change of agency is not intended in any sense as a reflection on the honourable and conscientious manner in which the two firms in question have performed their duties, but that for the execution of the policy of utilising as far as possible the Crown lands for small holdings it is necessary to have agents who have had practical experience of the kind of work that will have to be done. Negotiations are now proceeding as to the appointment of new agents, but I cannot make any definite announcement on the subject at the present time. I may add that the Land Revenue Act, 1829, requires that every Crown Receiver should be "by profession a surveyor of lands or land steward, and accustomed to act as such, or otherwise skilled in the management and cultivation of lands, and competent to the superintendence thereof."
§ MR. HARMOOD-BANNERHow many years have these gentlemen acted for the Crown?
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYI cannot say. It would be a considerable time.