§ MR. BECK (Cambridgeshire, Wisbech)To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that the small holdings committee of the Isle of Ely County Council, in their report to the council upon the work already done in acquiring land for small holdings, recommend that for the present land be let to individuals and not to co-operative associations; and whether, in view of the provisions of the Small Holdings Act and of the many benefits resulting to all concerned from a system of co-operation, the Board of Agriculture will immediately point out to the Isle of Ely County Council the necessity for not adopting upon this particular point, the policy advocated by their committee.
(Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) The Board are already in communication with the county council, and one of the Commissioners will take an early opportunity of discussing the matter personally with them.