§ 31. Mr. CHARLETON (for Mr. T. WILLIAMS)asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the reason for the decision to close the Crown Colony at Patrington, Yorkshire; and whether, in the interests of the men concerned, the decision can be reconsidered and the closing down postponed pending an inquiry into the management?
Mr. GUINNESSThe profit-sharing farm settlement at Patrington is to be closed at Lady Day next year on account of the heavy farming losses which have been incurred annually during the last eight years. For further, information on this subject, including the result of an independent inquiry ordered by my predecessor, I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Proceedings of the Ministry, under the Small Holdings (Colonies) Acts, for the years 1923 to 1926, which was published at the end of last week. I regret that I can see no grounds for reconsidering or postponing the decision, which was only arrived at after the most exhaustive examination of all the circumstances.
§ Mr. CHARLETONIn view of the fact that there are about 257 men now employed on the estate, can any arrangement be made to absorb them into industry anywhere, or will they become unemployed?
Mr. GUINNESSI think the hon. Member has stated a much larger figure than the actual figure. It is somewhere in the neighbourhood of 60. We are doing everything in our power, and are in touch with the ex-service men's organisation with a view to finding occupation elsewhere for the men who cannot be continued on the estate.
§ Sir F. WISEWhat was the total loss at Patrington?