HC Deb 09 July 1925 vol 186 cc602-3
82. Mr. FORREST

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether there is any reliable estimate of the cost of putting firstly an untrained and secondly a trained man on the land with sufficient acreage, capital and reserve to be able to earn a livelihood?

Major Sir HARRY BARNSTON (for

So far as my right hon. Friend is aware, no estimate of the kind referred to is available. The capital cost of providing small holdings varies according as to whether cottages and farm buildings have to be erected, and also as to whether the holdings are to be devoted to dairying, mixed farming, market gardening or poultry-keeping. No estimate of the average cost of providing holdings would, I think, be of any value, but if the hon. Member would be good enough to send my right hon. Friend more precise particulars as to the information he desires, my right hon. Friend would be happy to give him any assistance in his power.