§ 63. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Minister of Agriculture how many local authorities have put into action the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926; and how many small holdings and cottage holdings have been established under this Act?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)Twenty-five councils have submitted schemes for the acquisition of land involving contributions from the Ministry under Section 2 of the Act. The area acquired or to be acquired is 2,646 acres, of which 107 acres is to be used for enlarging 17 existing holdings and the remainder for the creation of 136 new small holdings and 16 cottage holdings. In addition, 15 councils have submitted applications under Sub-section (5) of Section 2, which if carried into effect will result in the improved equipment of 32 existing holdings. I have no information at present as to the extent of councils' operations under other Sections of the Act.
§ Mr. PALINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say how the number of holdings provided compares with the number of applicants waiting for them?
§ Mr. GUINNESSWe have not any figures as to the applicants.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGECan the right hon. Gentleman say if preference is given to agricultural workers?
§ Mr. GUINNESSMost certainly. Careful inquiries are made in each case to see that the selected applicant has the necessary agricultural knowledge.