§ MR. JESSE COLLINGSI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he will state the names of the four small holdings co-operative societies which have been formed; in what localities they exist; whether they are formed for the joint cultivation of the land by the members themselves or are syndicates founded for the purpose of acquiring land by sale or hire from county councils and sub-letting the same to small holders; and, if the latter, whether he will state the rules of such societies as regards capital, shares, profits, etc., and whether such rules have been approved by the Board of Agriculture.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThe four co-operative societies to whom land has been let are those at Mere in Wiltshire, Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, and Clipston and Rushden in Northamptonshire. The rules of the societies have been approved by the Board. The nominal capital of 1410 the associations is equal to three years rent of the land let to them. The societies are formed for the purpose of acquiring land from county councils and letting it to their members in small holdings. I shall be happy to send the right hon. Member a copy of the model form of rules approved by the Board.
§ MR. JESSE COLLINGSIs there any limit to the profit which these middlemen may make out of these holdings by charging extra rent?
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYYes, it is limited to 5 per cent.
§ MR. JESSE COLLINGSWhich the tenants have to pay.