§ Mr. BARNSTONasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it is his intention this Session to introduce legislation to amend the present law so as not to compel smallholders to pay the sinking fund charges; and if, at the same time, safeguards will be taken so as to protect the interests of other local ratepayers?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not in a position at present to make any announcement on this subject, but I can promise that the interests of all the ratepayers will be fully considered.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs it necessary to introduce fresh legislation in order to protect the smallholders?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe question is as to compulsion. I think if compulsion is to be used it will be necessary to introduce fresh legislation. The county councils themselves have it within their powers.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYIn view of the fact that many county councils have been 276 advised by their legal advisers that they have not this power, will the right hon. Gentleman inform the county councils that they have this power?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI answered a question in this House upon that point. I believe the county councils are fully cognisant that they have it; if it is considered necessary to let them know, I should be quite ready to consider it.