Sir GILBERT PARKERasked the Prime Minister whether he would take 1734 into consideration the advisability of establishing land banks, such as exist in Denmark, Germany, Egypt, and Ireland, for the purpose of assisting a citizen of small means in the purchase of land, thereby aiding materially in the solution of the problem of land ownership and adding to the independence and character of the people?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI believe that such institutions are not altogether unknown in this country; and the Government would welcome any extension of the system under proper safeguards. Any steps which they could take to this end would require very careful consideration.