§ Mr. BRODIEasked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether he is aware that the practice, of which the Board strongly disapproved when it existed in Kent, of appointing local agents in connection with the finding of land suitable for small holdings, who also represented the principal local land-holders, still exists in Hertfordshire; and whether the Board will take steps to ensure that this practice is everywhere discontinued?
§ Sir EDWARD STRACHEYIn the opinion of the Board the employment of a salaried agent, giving his whole time to the work, is the most desirable arrangement, but in some cases county councils have found it to be more expedient to employ local agents. If the work is efficiently carried out the Board would not be justified in offering any objection.
§ Mr. BRODIEIs it not the case, as we were informed recently, that the Board considered it undesirable to strengthen the practice of appointing men as agents to county councils who are also agents of the local land-owners, and did not great difficulty arise on that ground in Kent recently?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIt may not be a desirable arrangement, but we do not feel justified in forbidding it..