HC Deb 05 February 1918 vol 101 cc2091-2
62. Major HUNT

asked what measures have been taken by the Government for settling ex-Service men on the lands of the United Kingdom and of the Dominions, as recommended in the Report of the Empire Settlement Committee presided over by Lord Tennyson and published in August, 1917?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can add nothing to the replies which I have already made on this subject.

Major HUNT

In view of the hundreds of thousands of men who have expressed their wish to go on to the land, can he say approximately how many acres of land the Government have yet acquired for these men in this country?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I certainly cannot say without notice.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to introduce a Bill to deal with the whole question of land settlement for soldiers in England and in the Colonies?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If the hon. Gentleman had followed the subject, he would have known that the Committee has made recommendations.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Does not the right hon. Gentleman's reply rather show that-the main energies of the Government are being devoted to sending men out of the country?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. Member expresses the absolute truth at the moment. The main energies of the Government are being devoted to the winning of the War.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to introduce a Bill dealing with the settlement of these soldiers on the park lands of the landowners of this country?