§ 57. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in order to secure accurate information with reference to the building of cottages for rural labourers in different parts of the country, where the cost of labour, materials, and transport vary considerably, and to avoid returns being provided to the Board by those only whose cottage building owing to local conditions is either exceptionally costly or exceptionally cheap, he will send forms to selected landowners and local authorities in every county in England and Wales inviting them to give the necessary particulars applicable to their own localities?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs was explained in a notice which was circulated to the Press last week by my authority, the Board will be glad to receive from landowners and local authorities in all parts of England 1263 and Wales accurate information on the points mentioned by the hon. Gentleman. Forms on which the information may be given will be supplied on application to the Board.
§ Mr. BATHURSTDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the object of my question is that it should not be left to landowners to apply to the Department, but that certain landowners should be chosen to whom forms should be sent with a request that they would fill them in?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have no power to insist on landowners giving any information; they must supply it willingly. If they are prepared to give it, we shall be glad to receive it.