§ MR. R. HARCOURTI bog to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the number of acres acquired in Hampshire under the Small Holdings Act is fifteen; whether this is the smallest number in any county in which land has been acquired; whether he will state what is the acreage applied for in that county; whether the Board is satisfied that the county council is making adequate use of its statutory powers; and, if not, what action it is proposed to take.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThe replies to the first and second parts of the Question are in the affirmative, but I should add that negotiations are in progress for the acquisition of additional land, amounting to about 435 acres, in different parts of the county. Applications for 7,743 acres have been made. The Board have no reason to suppose that the county council are failing to carry out their obligations under the Act, but we are in communication with them, with a view to the expedition of matters, as much as possible.
§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)Although only fifteen acres have been acquired in Hampshire, is it not the fact that in 44 per cent. of the administrative counties of England and Wales no land at all has been acquired?
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYI think-that is not right.