HC Deb 21 June 1920 vol 130 cc1740-1
48. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the strong opposition in Wales to the Agriculture Bill, he has considered the advisability of establishing a Board of Agriculture for Wales and a Welsh Land Court, on similar lines to those constituted by the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Government are not prepared to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Sir R. THOMAS

Why is Wales treated differently from Scotland in this matter?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. Gentleman knows there are many particulars in which Wales and England act together, whereas Scotland has been treated separately. This is one of them.

Sir R. THOMAS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Wales wants to act separately, like Scotland?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is always dangerous for any individual, however well he knows a country, to speak for the whole country.

Sir R. THOMAS

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a unanimous demand from Wales for a Secretary of State for Wales, and will he give facilities for that Bill in order that we may get separate treatment?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That does not arise. Wales is unlike any other country if there is a unanimous opinion about anything.

83. Brigadier - General Sir OWEN THOMAS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he can see his way to insert a Clause in the Agriculture Bill now before Parliament by which the transfer of land for agri- cultural purposes can be made as easy and simple as in the United States of America, where 10 or 1,000 acres costs only 50 cents for registration of the transfer of ownership in place of the costly conveyancing methods in vogue in this country?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)

It is quite impossible to deal with this complicated matter in the Agricultural Bill. An elaborate measure for simplifying the transfer of land is now being considered in another place and should reach this House at an early date.

81. Major EDWARDS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether any steps have yet been taken to introduce legislation on the lines of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Agricultural Machinery?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave in answer to his question on 21st April.