§ 51. Mr. THURTLEasked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to increasing the production of home-grown foodstuffs, it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to effect changes in the system of land tenure at present obtaining in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe production of an increased quantity of homegrown food is, in the opinion of the Government, dependent far more on 1413 prices than on any question of land tenure, and the Government do not propose to introduce any legislation with the object of making radical changes in the present system of land tenure.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs it the view of the Prime Minister that the present system of land tenure in this country is satisfactory?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think anything in this country is satisfactory.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIn view of the answer the right hon. Gentleman gave, that prices determine the utility or futility of extending the area of land under cultivation, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he and his Government will consider the possibility of stabilising prices for agricultural food, thereby enabling us to make further use of the land?
§ Major Sir GRANVILLE WHELERIs the right hon. Gentleman- aware that the British farmer desires nothing so much as to be let alone, absolutely?