§ 55. Mr. HAYDAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any representations have been made by the Agricultural Organisation Society in respect of the decision of the Development Commission to stop the special allotments subsidy to that society; if so, what action has been taken regarding these representations and whether any deputation has been or is proposed to be received from the society on the matter; and for what reason the Development Commission decline to receive any deputation from other bodies to protest against the continued payment of public funds to the Agricultural Organisation Society?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Development Commissioners have not at any time recommended any special grant from the Development Fund towards the allotments branch of the Agricultural Organisation Society, but special grants which have now been discontinued, were 222 made during the War by the Board of Agriculture. In July last the Commissioners considered an application from the society for a grant in aid of the branch, and hear representatives from the society. They were unable, however, to recommend a grant, and after considering further representations from the society they have decided to adhere to their former decision. The society did not ask that a deputation should be received regarding this further application. With regard to the last sentence of the question, I am informed that the Development Commission have not declined to receive any deputation to protest against grants being made to the society. They received deputations of the kind from the National Union of Allotment Holders in April, 1920, and the National Association of Corn and Agricultural Merchants in March, 1919.