§ 52. Mr. WALTER HALLSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the rents and consequent heavy rates being paid by ex-service land settlers, he will take steps to secure a permanent reduction of rents or direct the Small Holdings Committees to make such reductions?
§ Major BARNSTONI have been asked to reply. Pending the stabilising of agricultural conditions, the cases of ex-service smallholders who suffered hardship owing to the drought and other exceptional circumstances last year, have been dealt with by abatement of rent. Where, however, exceptional circumstances demand it, I should be prepared to consider proposals by Small Holdings Committees for permanent reductions of rents as from Michaelmas next, provided that the reduced rent is not less than the best which could reasonably be obtained for the holding in the open market.