§ MR. MORRELLI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether, in view of the fact that, out of nearly 13,000 persons who have been approved by the county councils as suitable applicants for small holdings, only 595 have obtained land under the Act, he will now consider the advisability of establishing a register of applications so that every approved applicant may have a satisfactory assurance that his application will in time be dealt with.
§ * SIR EDWARD STRACHEYAs I have previously informed my hon. friend, the Board do not propose to keep a register of the nature suggested.
§ MR. MORRELLCan the hon. Gentleman tell me how the Board will ascertain when it ought to enforce its powers?
§ * SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThe Board has full power to ascertain the particulars of any case.
§ MR. LUPTONWill the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of establishing a register without delay?
§ * SIR EDWARD STRACHEYIt is not necessary, as the Board can always apply to county councils for particulars of cases.
§ MR. MORRELLBut how is it possible for the Board to know in what cases it should apply for information?
§ Mr. MONTAGU (Cambridgeshire, Chesterton)Are not hon. Members raising a purely hypothetical case? Has any case actually arisen?
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYYes, Sir.