§ Colonel GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Government 432 proposed to advertise the appointments of the six new small holdings commissionerships, with a view to securing the best qualified men; whether the professional societies, such as the Surveyors' Institution and the Land Agents' Society, had been asked to suggest the names of any suitable candidates; whether any steps had yet been taken to fill these posts; and, if so, what steps?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir E. Strachey)The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. A great many applications have been received, and these are now being considered by the President.
§ Colonel GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENWill these Commissioners be appointed according to their professional qualifications or according to their political qualifications?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question was answered yesterday.
§ Captain CLIVEasked whether the two existing small holdings commissioners have expressed or displayed their inability to carry on their work without having their numbers increased fourfold?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe President is responsible for the action of the Board, and it would be contrary to precedent for the opinion of permanent officials to be stated on questions of policy.
§ Captain CLIVEMay I inquire whether the Commissioners who have hitherto done: the work have not done it efficiently, and is that the reason that their number is to be increased to six more?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe appointment of further Commissioners does not imply that the present Commissioners have not carried out their work efficiently, but that they require help in order that those who have applied for and not yet received land may get it at any earlier moment?
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDo the Commissioners themselves admit that they require this help?
§ Captain CLIVEasked whether the six additional small holdings commissioners to be appointed will be required to have a knowledge of the value of agricultural land and of tenant right valuations; and whether this knowledge will be previously ascertained by examination?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIn accordance with the Act the Commissioners must be persons possessed of a knowledge of agriculture. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative.
§ Captain CLIVEWhat are we to understand by knowledge of agriculture; does it mean the subjects of the question?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe hon. Gentleman must understand what the Act provides; of course it is at the discretion of the President to carry out the Act.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXWill the hon. Baronet exclude from the appointments professional politicians and Members of this House?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYWill the hon. Baronet also exclude from the appointments any individuals who are known to be agents for large landlords, and likely to act entirely in their interests?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIn regard to both questions, the President will select the best possible men for the appointments.
§ Captain CLIVEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, seeing that 89,253 acres were acquired for small holdings in three years under the supervision of two commissioners, if he will explain the need for six more of these gentlemen to supervise the acquisition of the remaining 60,000 or 70,000 acres which are all that are stated to be still required?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe amount of land referred to in the latter part of the question is the estimated amount required to satisfy the present demand. Additional applications are continually being received, and the difficulties in obtaining land in the future are likely to be much greater than they have been in the past.
§ Sir RANDOLF BAKERAre these appointments to be permanent, or are they of a temporary character?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThese will be permanent appointments.
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe difficulty with regard to many at the present moment is that they require land near, or at a reasonable distance from, their own homes. It is more difficult to provide for these than 434 for men who are willing to go, if need be, to a different part of the country.
§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what is the estimated total additional cost to the Board consequent upon the appointment of the six additional small holdings commissioners, including outdoor assistants and clerical staff?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe total additional cost to the Board will be £3,600 for salaries. No further charge will be incurred for professional or clerical assistance.
§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, prior to the decision of the President of the Board to appoint additional small holdings commissioners, the permanent staff of the Department reported the need for further appointments, in order effectively to carry out the work?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIt would be contrary to precedent to state what recommendations, if any, were made on the subject by the permanent officials of the Department.