HC Deb 22 October 1912 vol 42 cc1911-2
50. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that there is a desire among persons of all shades of political opinion for some measure of practicable land reform which will result in greater prosperity of agricultural industry, an increase of agricultural output, and improvement in the conditions of life of agricultural workers, he will, in lieu of the present private inquiry, appoint a Royal Commission on the lines of the United States Country Life Commission to take, evidence from persons belonging to all classes interested in agricultural land and its economic development, and report publicly to Parliament?

The PRIME MINISTER

I promised the hon. Member that I would consider, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Agriculture, his suggestion that a Royal Commission should be appointed on the lines of the-United States Country Life Commission. I have not yet come to any decision in the matter.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Bearing in mind this new inquiry that is progressing in the country, will the right hon. Gentleman accelerate his consultation with the President of the Board of Agriculture on the subject?

The PRIME MINISTER

There is no need for acceleration.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Do the classes interested in agricultural land mentioned in the question include both those who farm the land and those who farm the farmers as well?