77. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Ministry is now demanding from local authorities which instituted allotments under the Cultivation of Lands Order, 1917, any credit balance arising there-from; and, if so, whether he can state on what grounds this claim is made?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and I am glad to have this opportunity of stating the grounds on which the claim is made. The local authorities in question have acted on behalf of the Crown in this matter, subject to certain limitations as to the expenditure to be incurred, and the credit balance in question are, therefore, claimed as moneys in the hands of agents of the Crown.
Mr. WHITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these allotments are being taken over by the local authorities, and are not the local authorities being involved in considerable expense? Will he not, in view of this, reconsider the decision?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThat is a different question. If the hon. Member will put it down, I shall be glad to consider it.