§ 61. Major HUNTasked the Prime Minister when the Government intend to bring in legislation for providing houses and land in the different counties for those of our sailors, soldiers, and men of the mercantile marine who have been under the Admiralty or War Office during this War; and whether he will take steps to do this at once, with a view to avoiding industrial disturbances after the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot add anything to the answers already given on this subject.
§ Major HUNTCan the right hon. Gentleman give any idea when he will be able to tell the country when the Government will deal with this problem?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am afraid my hon and gallant Friend does not realise how complicated and difficult it would be. I can assure the House that rapid attention will be given to it by the Government.
§ 62. Major HUNTasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that our enemies have been and are actively engaged in endeavouring to frustrate land settlement in this country and in the over-sea Dominions, and that their object is to add to the congestion of our cities, and thus ensure industrial disturbances similar to those they have brought about in Russia; and whether he will, therefore, take steps against these enemy agents, as has been done in America and Australia?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second, steps will be taken if and when the occasion arises.
§ Major HUNTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether strenuous steps will be taken in this country similar to those already taken in America and Australia, and, if not, why not?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have as little sympathy with these people as my hon. Friend. We have taken the steps which, we think, will secure the object in view, and shall continue to do so.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs it not a fact that the people who are frustrating land settlement here are the landlords, and will the right hon. Gentleman take similar action to that taken in Australia, and deal with the matter by a drastic land tax?