HC Deb 10 August 1909 vol 9 cc240-2
Mr. JAMES PARKER (on behalf of Mr. George Roberts)

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Kent County Council had yet acquired Crockham Hill dairy farm under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act; whether suitable cottages would be provided in connection therewith; and if he could state that none of the present occupiers of cottages on the land would be deprived of possession under the scheme?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The county council are taking steps to acquire compulsorily a part of the farm mentioned or the whole of it if approved applicants are forthcoming. It is not proposed to erect cottages on the land, but to adapt the existing ones, possession of which must be obtained by the county council if the requirements of the applicants are to be met.

Mr. PARKER (on behalf of Mr. George Roberts)

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he was aware that applications had been made to the Kent County Council for 300 acres of land by approved persons, being members of the Pembury Land Club; that the matter was brought to the notice of the Board in November last; and if he could state whether action was being taken to meet this demand, and, if so, to what extent?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The approved demand in Pembury is for 210 acres, and endeavours have been made to acquire two farms in the neighbourhood, but the negotiations have fallen through. The county council will continue their endeavours to satisfy the demand.

Captain CRAIG

Would it not be possible to get some suitable land in the South and West of Ireland for this purpose?

Mr. PARKER (on behalf of Mr. George Roberts)

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what steps the Kent County Council had taken to provide land in response to the applications made by members of the Tonbridge Land Club; if he was aware that the land agent to the county council had referred one of the applicants direct to a landowner; and, as such action deterred suitable persons from pursuing their applications, whether the acquisition of the necessary land could be facilitated in the proper course?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The county council are endeavouring to acquire land to satisfy the demand of the Tonbridge applicants, but they have not as yet been successful in doing so. The owners of three farms in the neighbourhood offered to let land direct to suitable tenants, and some of the applicants were so informed. The Board see no objection to small holdings being let direct to the applicant by the land- owner if the applicant is a willing party to the arrangement. I may add that in Kent 680 acres have been supplied in this manner.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Is it not the duty of the county council to facilitate the dealings between the owner and the applicant?

Sir E. STRACHEY

It is the duty of the council to provide the applicant with the best possible land and under the best conditions.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Whether under the Act or not?