§ 15. Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called to recent purchases of agricultural land in Essex by foreign syndicates; what steps the Government will take to protect the interests of the tenant farmers; and whether an alien who would be prevented from residence in the areas concerned would be allowed to purchase land there?
§ The PRESIDENT of the-BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Prothero)I am aware of recent purchases of agricultural land in Essex by a company called the County Farm and Lands Company, the directorate of which is, I understand, to be composed of Belgian and British subjects. I am informed that none of the tenant farmers who were in occupation of the land have been disturbed. The general point raised in the last part of the question is one for consideration by the naval and military authorities. I may add that the War Office has been informed of the purchase.