HC Deb 16 July 1912 vol 41 cc201-2
35. Mr. HUNT

asked whether the members on the new Land Committee own or occupy a considerable amount of land; and whether he can say about how many acres are owned or occupied by the member owning or occupying the largest quantity of land, and how many acres by the member owning or occupying the smallest amount of land?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

No, Sir. I have made no inquiries as to the amount of land owned by these gentlemen.

Mr. HUNT

How are people who neither own or occupy land to know anything about the conditions of land? What is the use of putting people to do that sort of job who do not know anything about it?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I did not say that people who do not own land do not know anything about it.

Mr. HUNT

Does the right hon. Gentleman know anything about those people; he does not seem to know whether they own land or not.

46. Mr. FRED HALL

asked if the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the formation of a second committee composed of Members of Parliament supporting the present Government with the object of advancing the acquisition of land by the central government and local authorities; if this committee was also formed with his sanction; and whether, as statements are being made throughout the country as to the intention of the Government to deal with the whole question of land tenure, he will inform the House what are the Government's proposals in the matter, so that Members of all sections of the House may be in a position to deal authoritatively with this subject?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna, for the Prime Minister)

I know nothing of this Committee which has been formed quite independently, and without any consultation with me. Any proposals which the Government may have to make will be announced in due course and on their own responsibility, but not (as I have already said) in the present Session.

Mr. FRED HALL

May I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the reply given by the Prime Minister a short time ago—

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member has anything further to say he must put it interrogatively.