§ Mr. MONDasked whether the hon. Baronet was aware of the action of the Kent County Council in permitting the sale of land forming the Crockham Hill dairy farm after possession of the land had been promised for Michaelmas next to certain applicants for small holdings, as stated by him on 2nd November, 1909, in this House; that, relying on the promise of possession being given, stock to a considerable amount had been accumulated by one of the applicants; and what action would be taken in the matter?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYMy hon. Friend will see from the statement made by me in the House on 2nd November last that the county council were prepared to make an order for the compulsory hiring of the farm in question if a sufficient number of suitable applicants presented themselves, but the order was not proceeded with inasmuch as the applicants were not forthcoming. The farm did not belong to the county council, and they had therefore no power to prevent its sale. It is to be regretted that there should have been any misunderstanding on the subject, and perhaps my hon. Friend will confer with me.