HC Deb 28 February 1912 vol 34 cc1354-5
Mr. RENDALL

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state how many county councils have not put the Small Holdings Acts into operation, and how many of them have not exercised their power of purchasing the freehold of any land?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)

The county councils of London and of the Scilly Isles are the only county councils which have not as yet acquired land either by purchase or by lease under the Act of 1908. Five county councils—namely, Rutland, East Sussex, Westmorland, Brecon, and Carmarthen—have not as yet acquired land by purchase.

Mr. RENDALL

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state the percentage allowed by the Gloucestershire, Dorsetshire, Cambridge, and Lincoln County Councils in fixing rents to small holders for, respectively, manage ment expenses, repairs, and contingencies; and if he will state the lowest and the highest rates of such percentages which now exist in schemes approved by the Board?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have been in communication with the county councils to which my hon. Friend refers, and I think I can most conveniently answer my hon. Friend's question by circulating with the Votes the information I have received.—[See Written Answers this date.]

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Will that include all the county councils or only those named?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

It only includes those referred to in the question.

Mr. SANDERS

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if those percentages are fixed by the Small Holdings Commissioners appointed by the Board of Agriculture?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I must ask for notice of that question.