HC Deb 10 May 1911 vol 25 cc1198-200
Mr. ERNEST JARDINE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what is the total number of persons who have been provided with small holdings by local bodies under the Small Holdings Act up to the end of the year 1910; and how many of those who were provided with small holdings have given up possession?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The answer to the first part of the question is 5,525. Up to the end of 1909 twenty-seven had given up their holdings. I have no later available figures on this point, but I shall be glad to obtain them if the hon. Member so desires.

Mr. NIELD

asked whether the six commissioners about to be appointed will be promoted from among the permanent servants of the Board who have entered the service after passing the educational tests and complying with the rules of the Civil Service Commissioners?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The matter is still under consideration.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask the hon. Baronet if any Members of Parliament can be appointed as the Commissioners?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I can make no announcement at present.

Mr. HAYDN JONES

asked the reasons which led the Board to refuse to sanction the compulsory Order made by the county council of Merioneth for the acquisition of land for small holdings?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The Board did not confirm the Order because they considered that it would involve taking an undue and inconvenient amount of land from the estate, and they were of opinion that the compensation payable would have been so high that the land could not have been let as a small holding.

Mr. HAYDN JONES

Is the hon. Baronet aware that the land in question was formerly occupied as separate holdings?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I believe that was so.

Mr. MORRELL

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether any other land will be made available for these applicants?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I think my hon. Friend must give me notice of that.

Mr. MORRELL

Is it not the opinion of the county council that this is the only land available?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I am not aware whether that is so or not.

Mr. MORRELL

Would he ascertain?

Sir E. STRACHEY

Certainly.