§ MR. ROBERT HARCOURTI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether, in 120 the opinion of the Board, any county councils have failed to make adequate use of their powers under the Small Holdings Act; and, if so, whether it is proposed to take steps to declare them in default.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYEvery county council has practically completed its preliminary inquiries, and is now in active negotiation for land. Whenever desirable the Board make strong representations in favour of greater expedition and energy, and they will not fail to take any further action that may prove necessary.
§ MR. MORRELLHas any county council yet forwarded a Report to the Commissioners to the effect that it is desirable to proceed?
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYWhenever the Board thinks that a county council is not taking sufficiently active steps Commissioners are sent down.