§ Mr. LANE-FOXasked the Prime Minister whether he had yet been able to ascertain that the amendment of the Small Holdings Act, in the direction of securing any compensation for farmers whose land is taken, comes within the limits of non-controversial legislation; and, if not, from which quarter of the House has he any reason to anticipate opposition to any such proposal?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)The inquiries which we have made lead us to hope pretty confidently that such an amendment of the Act would be treated as non-controversial.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the passage of this Act will raise the rents which will have to be paid by smallholders and increase the difficulties of the small holdings question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am told not.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXMay I ask whether a Bill will be introduced very shortly?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope so.