§ Mr. BECKasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the case of W. Salmon, gardener and carter, of Widdington, who was rejected by the Essex County Council on the grounds that he had not properly cultivated some land previously held by him, but who so far convinced the Board's inspector that this was through no fault of his own; that the county council were requested by the Board to reconsider their decision, which they did without, however, altering it in any way; and, if so, will he advise the Board to make further inquiries with a view to having this applicant's requirements met?
§ Mr. GULLANDThe answer to the first and second part of the question is in the affirmative. The Board will be glad to make further inquiries into this case, as suggested.
§ Mr. NOEL BUXTONasked whether the Board of Agriculture had received a report from one of the Small Holdings Commissioners regarding the acquisition of land for allotments at Ringland, Norfolk, under the Small Holdings Act; whether proceedings have been taken by the landowner against the Ringland Parish Council; what action the Board considers the county council should now take; and what further action can be taken to protect the parish council and applicants in the matter?
§ Mr. GULLANDThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Board have no power to intervene in the matter, but they have advised the parish council inasmuch as they did not exercise their power of withdrawal under Section 39 (8) of the Act of 1908 they should at once complete the arrangements for taking the land and let it at the best rents they can obtain in order to avoid further loss.