§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he could state the acreage of the Crown lands which had been turned into small holdings in the years 1906–10; what the total rental and assessment for rates of these lands were before they were used for small holdings; what the present rental and assessment was; and what the total capital expenditure in connection with the transformation had amounted to?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)The acreage of the Crown lands under the charge of the President of the Board of Agriculture, as a Commissioner of Woods, which have been let for small holdings and allotments in the five years ended 31st March, 1911, is 6,130 acres. The approximate total rental of these lands amounted, before they were taken for small holdings, to £7,514, and the rental for the same lands for the year 1911 amounted to £9,835. This sum includes interest on capital expended. I have no information as to the assessments for rates of the lands. The rates are not paid by the Crown. I should add that in the majority of cases the small holdings were formerly included in larger holdings, and they have as a rule been established on the best land of the former holding. Further, the residue of the former holding has in several cases been subsequently let at an enhanced rent. These facts, in conjunction with the fact that over £35,000 has been expended on buildings, equipment, etc., for the small holders, must be taken into account in connection with any attempt to make a comparison of the former with the existing total rents.