HC Deb 21 March 1911 vol 23 cc238-9
Mr. CRAWSHAY-WILLIAMS

asked whether Mr. E. Bailey, of Alwington, Devon, whose income is under £100 per annum, was refused a small holding on the ground that he was in a position to obtain land for himself in the open market; whether, in view of the fact that county councils not only reject applicants who have not sufficient capital to meet the financial requirements of the county council, but also persons possessing more than is necessary, the Board will state whether they have recommended any minimum and maximum amount of capital an eligible applicant for a small holding should possess; and, if so, what those amounts are?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The Board will make further inquiries into the case of Mr. Bailey. The Board have not prescribed any minimum or maximum amount of capital for applicants.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

Is not this a matter in which the Board might give some guidance to the public councils?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I think it would be very difficult to lay down any definite rule.

Mr. CRAWSHAY-WILLIAMS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether, in view of the fact that the total acreage acquired for small holdings in 1910 was something like 17,000 acres less than that acquired during the preceding year, the Board propose adopting any special methods for accelerating the acquisition of land during the present year to meet the requirements of the thousands of approved applicants who have been waiting for small holdings over three years?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The actual decrease in 1910 as compared with 1909 is 11,108 acres. The demand for land is such that increasing difficulty is experienced in acquiring land by agreement, but in view of the number of estates coming into the market this year it is hoped quicker progress will be made. It is not the case that thousands of approved applicants have been waiting for years. A large number of those unsatisfied only applied recently.

Mr. CRAWSHAY-WILLIAMS

Do I understand my hon. Friend to say that the Board are quite satisfied with the progress that has been made?

Sir E. STRACHEY

My hon. Friend must not understand that, because I hope that the Board will never be satisfied with the amount of land obtained for small holdings, but will always be going on.