HC Deb 03 August 1926 vol 198 cc2952-3

Resolution reported. That it is expedient to authorise the payment, out of moneys provided by Parliament, of contributions towards losses incurred by councils of counties and county boroughs in providing small holdings, and of councils of counties in providing cottage holdings, in pursuance of any Act of the present Session to amend the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts, 1908 to 1919.

Resolution read a Second time.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution.

Sir F. WISE

May I ask one question in regard to this Money Resolution? I have the White Paper here, and the Clause, on page 4, which deals with the finance of this Resolution states that £150,000 per annum is the liability, and also that there is a loan of £6,000,000. I should like to know if this is the total amount for which the State is liable. There is no amount mentioned in the Financial Resolution.

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

I am asked whether the £6,000,000 mentioned in the White Paper is the total. Of course, it is only an estimate, and it may not be reached. It is, however, what we believe will be necessary on the basis of the speed at which small holdings were being provided by the local authorities before the War. Certainly there is no intention to exceed that amount, though we recognise that it is possible that a larger number of small holdings than we have estimated for may be provided within that time.

Sir F. WISE

What about the other amount, the £150,000 a year?

Mr. GUINNESS

That again is an estimate.

Sir F. WISE

Is it the total amount?

Mr. GUINNESS

It is the total amount, certainly. That is the definite arrangement. But it is impossible, as we depend upon local authorities and upon conditions that we cannot control, to ensure at what speed or to what extent this new opportunity will be used.