HC Deb 13 July 1909 vol 7 cc1854-5
Mr. NICHOLLS

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is able to give the House further information of the progress, if any, made to supply the 30 applicants at New- borough with small holdings; whether the Soke of Peterborough County Council still refuse to ratify the recommendations of the small holdings committee to provide land for the applicants; and whether he can say what steps the Board of Agriculture intend to take to supply such applicants?

The TREASURER of the HOUSEHOLD (Sir E. Strachey)

The county council propose to hold a further inquiry forthwith to consider the applications received. This step should, of course, have been taken long ago, and the delay which has arisen is much to be regretted. But it is an essential preliminary to the provision of land, and until the demand has really been ascertained it would be premature to say what action should be taken to satisfy it.

Mr. P. MORRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the demand has not been ascertained before?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The county council has been dilatory; we much regret it. It is because they were dilatory.

Mr. MORRELL

Is it not the duty of the Commissioners to ascertain the demand, through the county council or otherwise?

Mr. NICHOLLS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men have been interviewed by the county council committee, and that they were accepted and recommended?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension—not by the county council. The county council have ordered an inquiry themselves.