§ MR. BENNETTI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether the Government will consider the advisability of informing county councils that if adequate schemes for the provision of land, under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, are not furnished by next Lady-Day county councils will be declared in default and the necessary schemes will be formulated by the Commissioners.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. ASQUITH, Fifeshire, E.)No, Sir. I am doubtful whether the adoption of my hon. friend's suggestion would be likely to promote the efficient working of the Small Holdings Act. My noble friend, the President of the Board of Agriculture assures me that if any of the county councils refuse to exercise their powers with reasonable expedition he will not hestate to take immediate action. As at present advised I may say that, in my judgment, the moment for taking action must be left to the discretion of my noble friend who alone is in possession of all 95 the circumstances of each particular council.
§ MR. BENNETTIs the Prime Minister aware that the noble Earl the President of the Board of Agriculture considers the fixing of a time-limit for putting the Small Holdings Act into force an admirable suggestion?
§ MR. ASQUITHI agree with my noble friend. I think a time-limit is an admirable suggestion. I am not sure, however, that that moment has arrived yet.
§ MR. MORRELLIs the Board of Agriculture in a position to postpone the preparation and issue of the Reports made by Commissioners as seems to be suggested by the Question? Is it not the statutory duty of the Commissioners to prepare the Reports at once?
§ MR. ASQUITHasked for notice.