HC Deb 18 July 1916 vol 84 c829
24. Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if any negotiations have been entered on or commitments undertaken in anticipation of the passage of the Small Holding Colonies Bill; and, if so, will he inform the House of any such negotiations or commitments before the Committee stage is taken?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD Of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)

As I stated on the Second Beading Debate, no commitments have been undertaken, but negotiations have been entered into with the Crown with regard to a property in the south of Yorkshire, and negotiations are pending with a private owner with regard to a property in Gloucestershire. This has been done so that if the Bill passes vacant possession may be secured at an earlier date than would have been the case if no preliminary work had been done in anticipation of the passing of the Bill.