§ 15. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of agricultural land changed hands in Great Britain during the year 1927, the number of separate holdings involved, and their total cost?
Mr. GUINNESSI regret that I have no information which would enable me to reply to the hon Member's question.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not possible to obtain such information; and, in view of the Bill which comes up for discussion tomorrow, will the right hon. Gentleman not endeavour to obtain it?
Mr. GUINNESSWe could not obtain that information without statutory authority, and, obviously, it would entail considerable cost and inconvenience.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is the duty of the Government to collect such information; and on what will the right hon. Gentleman base his arguments tomorrow if the information is not available?