§ MR. SMEATON (Stirlingshire)I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, how many applications for small holdings have been made; how much land has been applied for; and how many small holdings have been created up to date in each division of Hampshire; whether any scheme of small holdings in Hampshire has yet been reported to or approved by the Board of Agriculture; will he state the names of the members of the committee or committees (if any such have been constituted) charged with the administration of the Act in each division of the county; and whether any of the Commissioners have yet visited any of the divisions of Hampshire; and, if so, what Report have they made to the Board as to the way in which the Act is being administered.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYFive hundred and thirteen applications have been made for 7,579 acres, but no small holdings have been actually provided as yet. The Board have received and approved one scheme. Six visits to the 121 county have been made by the Commissioners and inspectors, and they are satisfied that the county council are doing their best to administer the Act. I shall be pleased to send my hon. friend a list giving the names of the small Holdings Committee.
§ MR. SMEATONIs it not the fact that up to the present time only 15 acres have been actually distributed?
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThat is so, but I hope more land will soon be distributed.
§ MR. MORRELLAnd although 513 persons have been waiting for eleven-months, has no Report been made that it is desirable to prepare a scheme?
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYWe are satisfied that up till now the county council has done its utmost; otherwise we should take steps.
§ MR. MORRELLIs it not the duty of the Commissioners as soon as they are aware there is a demand for land to report that fact?
§ * MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is arguing the matter rather than seeking information.