§ Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board 1644 of Agriculture, what action the Kent County Council has taken to acquire the Crockham Hill Dairy Farm; whether compulsory powers of purchase are being applied; and whether he can state when approved applicants will be placed in occupation of this land?
§ Captain NORTON (Lord of the Treasury)The county council are prepared to make an order for the compulsory hiring of the farm to which my hon. Friend refers if a sufficient number of suitable applicants for small holdings present themselves. Possession would be obtained at Michaelmas next.
§ Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Suffolk County Council has yet provided land for any of the approved applicants in Wenhaston; whether the acquisition of Vale Farm is being negotiated; whether the rental asked for this farm is regarded by the county council as being too high; and, if so, whether it is contemplated to put into operation the powers of compulsory purchase?
§ Captain NORTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. We are informed that the county council have no knowledge of any land called Vale Farm, but they have been offered land in Wenhaston, in respect of which negotiations are proceeding. Some other land which was offered to them was not accepted, the rent asked being considered to be too high.