§ Mr. J. H. WHITEHOUSE (for Mr. Noel Buxton)asked what steps the Board of Agriculture takes to investigate the case of an applicant for a small holding who, upon the rejection or neglect of his application by a county council, appeals to the Board to have the matter reconsidered?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Board ascertain the reasons for the rejection of an applicant by a council by inquiries made locally by one of their inspectors, or by other suitable means. They do not acquiesce in the rejection unless they are satisfied there are good grounds for the action of the council.
§ Mr. J. W. WHITEHOUSEasked whether, in view of the difficulties experienced by applicants under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, in obtaining land in the counties of Surrey and Kent, it is proposed to appoint a Special Commissioner for either or both of those counties; and, if not, what steps the Board is taking, or proposes to take, to surmount the difficulties referred to?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Board do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of Special Commissioners in the counties named. 855 The difficulties are largely due to the high value of land in these counties, which cannot be overcome by any action of the Board. I may add that about 1,500 acres have been acquired by Kent and 300 acres by Surrey, and compulsory orders have been made for the acquisition of a further 111 acres in the latter county.