HC Deb 15 July 1908 vol 192 cc858-9
MR. MORRELL

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what is the number of applications which have been sent direct to the Commissioners under the Small Holdings Act.

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

2,360.

MR. MORRELL

Then what has happened to the others? 18,000 applications, I understood, had been made.

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

The Question is as to the number of applications made direct to the Commissioners. The rest, over 16,000, have been made direct to the various county councils, which is the best way.

MR. MORRELL

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what is the total number of persons who have made applications for land under the Small Holdings Act; how many of these applications have been considered; how many applicants have withdrawn their applications or failed to attend the local inquiry; how many applicants have been rejected as unsuitable; how many applications are covered by schemes already submitted to the Commissioners; how many applications are standing over until suitable land can be obtained; and whether the Commissioners have yet decided to establish a record containing full particulars of all applications made.

SIB EDWARD STRACHEY

So far as the Board are aware 19,647 applications have been received. We do not as yet possess full information on the other points to which my hon. friend refers, inasmuch as several councils have not yet completed their inquiries, but on receipt of Reports from all the county councils of their proceedings under the Act the Board will for all practical purposes be in possession of full particulars of all applications made.

MR. MORRELL

Is there any intention of establishing a record of the applications made?

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

No, Sir. The President of the Board of Agriculture does not intend to establish a separate register, but when the returns come in from the various county councils they would constitute an effective list.

MR. MACKARNESS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of applications are not made owing to the hours at which the meetings of the sub-committee are held? Will he consider some means of giving an opportunity——

*MR. SPEAKER

That is another matter altogether. Notice had better be given.