§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked with reference to land obtained on lease for small holdings in Staffordshire, whether the hon. Baronet will state for how long the leases generally run; and whether the leases contain clauses allowing of extension at specified rentals?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe leases for land in the parishes of Gnosall and Hatherton are for thirty-five years, in the parishes of Penn and Seighford for twenty-one years, and in the parish of Cheslyn Hay for fifteen years. The lease of the land in the parish of Gnosall contains an option for its renewal for a further term of twenty-one years. None of the other leases contain provisions of this nature.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODWhere there is no power to extend the lease, what is there to prevent the improvements effected by the county council from becoming the property of the landlord at the expiry of the lease?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThat depends upon the terms of each lease.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked, with reference to land obtained for allotments in Staffordshire, how many acres have been purchased and at what average price; and how many acres have been leased, and at what average rental?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYNo land was purchased for allotments in Staffordshire in 1908. Twenty-two acres 0 roods 8 poles were leased for rents amounting to £95 5s., being an average of £4 6s. 7d. an acre. The information for 1909 is not yet available.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked, with reference to small holdings and allotments in Staffordshire, how many applications for these have been received during 1908 and 839 during 1909; and whether such applications are still being received by the county, borough, and urban district councils?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYTwo hundred and twenty-four applications for small holdings in Staffordshire were received in 1908 and 34 in 1909. One hundred and ninety-nine applications for allotments were received in 1908. The number for 1909 is not yet available. So far as we know applications are still being received.