HC Deb 20 April 1909 vol 3 cc1377-8
Mr. MORRELL

asked whether the Board of Agriculture has received information as to a farm of 87 acres known as Little Ridge farm, near Hastings, which has been offered to the Hastings Borough Council for the purpose of small holdings; whether the proposal is approved by the Hastings Small Holdings and Allotments Co-operative Society; whether the Board have made representations to the Borough Council on the subject; whether the Council have refused to consider these representations; and what steps the Board proposes to take?

The TREASURER of the HOUSEHOLD (Sir Edward Strachey)

The reply to the first, second, and third inquiries is in the affirmative. The Hastings Borough Council have not refused to consider the representations which we have made to them, and we are still in communication with them on the matter.

Mr. MORRELL

asked whether in the case of the eight counties, as to which in November last a Return was made that inquiries into the applications for small holdings were not yet completed, such inquiries have now been completed; and whether, in the case of the six other counties, as to which it stated that no definite information was available, such information has now been obtained?

Sir E. STRACHEY

Perhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to refer him to my reply to my right hon. Friend, the Member for Rushcliffe Division, which was circulated with the Votes yesterday. In those cases where complete figures are not given we are asking for further details.

Mr. MORRELL

asked whether the Board of Agriculture has received any report as to applications made for small holdings in the parishes of Benson, Drayton, Dorchester, Gassington, Horspath, Wheatley, and other places near Oxford; and whether the Board proposes to take any action in the matter?

Sir E. STRACHEY

We have not received any report of the nature mentioned, but we had already arranged to send an inspector to visit the localities to which my hon. Friend refers. When we receive his report we shall be in a position to judge whether any action on our part is advisable.

Mr. MORRELL

asked for what counties special commissioners have now been appointed; and whether any others are contemplated?

Sir E. STRACHEY

Special commissioners have been appointed for Lancashire and Wiltshire, and others will be appointed where it appears advisable to do so.