§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked whether the six new Small Holdings Commissioners will be appointed solely on the strength of their agricultural qualification, as in the case of the two present Commissioners; and, if not, what qualifications will they possess?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIn order to comply with the Act, the Commissioners must be persons possessed of a knowledge of agriculture. Subject to this, the persons who appear to be best suited for the work will be appointed.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDoes the expression "best suited for the work" include political qualifications?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYPolitical qualifications are never taken into account as regards this service.
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI have already said they will be the persons best suited for the work.
§ Mr. HICKS BEACHWill the duties of the Commissioners be in any way different from those of the two already appointed?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe difference wilt be that the country will be divided into so many areas, and in some cases they may be actually stationed in those areas or counties.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked what will he the salaries of the six new Small Holdings Commissioners, and to what pensions will they become entitled upon retirement and after how many years service in such capacity?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe scale of salary is £800 per annum. The Commissioners are eligible for pension under the conditions prescribed by the Superannuation Act after completion of ten years' service if retired on the ground of age or ill-health. In such event the amount of the pension would be one-eightieth of salary for each completed year of service.