§ 88. Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture the acreage of land included in the Titchfield, Hants, settlement for ex-service men and the price paid for it; the acreage let to individual settlers; the maximum and minimum rents charged per acre and the rents paid by the previous tenants for the same land; whether the rent includes any other charge besides the bare rent of the land; and, if so, what is the purpose and the amount of the extra charge in each case?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)The Titchfield Farm Settlement is 1,392 acres in extent, and the purchase price was £55,800. At present 230 acres are let to 76 ex-service men, the rent being per £4 acre for the first year and £5 per acre subsequently. The rents paid by smallholders previous to the property being purchased by the Ministry varied in amount, but averaged about £3 per acre. This rent was paid for the bare land which the tenants had themselves to clear, and get into good order. The Ministry are getting the land into thoroughly good order before letting it, they are providing facilities for the hire of horses, implements, etc., and demonstration plots are being established. In view of these advantages and the increased rate of interest now existing, it has been necessary to fix a higher standard of rent.
Sir A. BOSCAWENI have told the hon. Member the cost of the land. I can send him a complete account of the whole cost of the estate if he wishes.