45. Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the Prime Minister whether his attention, has been directed to the pledge given on 4th March, 1914, by the then Prime Minister as to the keeping of a record of the annual values as adopted for rating purposes, with certain other particulars, as regards lands of which the purchase is effected or facilitated out of moneys provided by Parliament, to the statement made on 18th July, 1916, by the then Secretary to the Treasury, that in conformity with this pledge such a record had been kept in respect of all such lands so purchased both before and during the War, and to the promise given on 16th November, 1916, by the then Minister of Munitions to direct the attention of the amalgamated branch that had then been appointed for the consideration of questions relating to land held by the War Office and the Ministry of Munitions, including negotiations for purchase, to the pledge given on 14th March, 1914; if he will say whether this pledge will be regarded as binding by the present Government; and whether the practice of keeping these records of particulars in all such cases will continue to be followed?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe record referred to is being kept by the Departments concerned.