HC Deb 16 May 1911 vol 25 cc1817-8
Mr. MORRELL

asked what are the dates on which the thirteen reports made by the Small Holdings Commissioner in Lancashire were forwarded to the county-council; what schemes have been prepared by the county council or the commissioner to give effect to these reports; and whether any scheme has yet been carried through?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The thirteen reports were sent to the county council at various dates between July, 1909, and October, 1910. The county council made two compulsory orders for the acquisition of 450 acres, one of which was confirmed as to 181 acres, but the rent awarded was such that the council were unable to take the whole of the land. The other order was abandoned, as the council acquired by agreement 165 acres. In addition four schemes have been prepared for the acquisition of 105 acres by agreement. Two of these have been carried out, and in the case of the other two the land has been purchased, but vacant possession has not yet been obtained.

Mr. MORRELL

Was the action taken in accordance with any of the reports under Section 3 of the Act, and, if so, with how many of them?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I think my hon. Friend will see that questions of that sort require notice.

Mr. MORRELL

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will give particulars of the 181 acres of land for which the Lancashire County Council recently obtained a compulsory hiring order; whether the land had been previously let as a separate holding; if so, at what rent per acre it was let; what is the present rateable value of the land; and what was the amount of the rent per acre fixed by the valuers?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The land consisted of one holding of 120 acres, and parts of two other holdings of 178 acres and 105 acres respectively. The county council have not informed me whether the land had been previously let as a small holding, but will inquire again. The rent awarded by the valuer was 51s. an acre. When part of a farm is taken it is impossible to give the rateable value of the part taken, as it was not separately assessed by the overseers.