§ MR. MORRELLI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that at a meeting held by the small holdings committee of the Somerset County Council, the chairman of that council said that, if compulsory powers are resorted to, the cost of the exercise of such powers will increase the expense of acquiring the land, and thereby increase the rent of the land; whether it is a fact that the Board will repay to county councils all legal expenses and surveyors' fees in connection with the acquisition of land, and whether this applies equally whether the purchase is made compulsorily or by agreement; and, if so, whether he will circularise the councils accordingly.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThe Board are informed by the clerk of the Somerset County Council that their chairman stated that the cost of the 582 exercise of compulsory powers would fall on the small-holders, subject to any repayment made by the Board. The reasonable costs of compulsory purchase as in the case of purchase by agreement will be repaid by the Board and need not therefore increase the rent. A circular letter to this affect has been issued to county councils.