HC Deb 21 February 1929 vol 225 cc1304-5
57. Mr. SKELTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of small holdings and cottage holdings, respectively, constructed and in course of construction under the Small Holdings Act, 1926; and the number of schemes submitted to, but not approved, by the Ministry of Agriculture?

Mr. GUINNESS

Sixty-five schemes submitted by councils under Section 2 of the Act of 1926 have been, or are likely to be, carried into effect. These schemes provide for the formation of 223 small holdings and 23 cottage holdings. There are three other schemes under consideration, and one scheme was not approved. The above figures relate exclusively to fresh acquisitions, and not to the improvement of existing holdings, in regard to which a considerable number of proposals have been submitted under Subsection (5) of Section 2. In a few instances councils have carried out self-supporting schemes which do not require to be submitted to the Ministry, but I have no information as to the number of holdings thereby created.

Mr. RILEY

Was it not the expectation of the Government in regard to this Act that 2,000 new holdings might be established in each year; are not the numbers now given to be regarded as utterly inadequate to meet the purpose of the Act; and are any steps taken to press the councils to make the Act more widely known?

Mr. GUINNESS

It is quite true that we made financial provision for a much larger number of holdings, and I agree that the response that the local authorities have made to their opportunities is disappointing; but the State has offered 75 per cent. of the cost of these holdings, and I think that from the financial point of view we have made a very generous provision.

Mr. RILEY

In view of this unsatisfactory progress, is the Ministry doing anything to urge the councils to get down to work?

Mr. GUINNESS

We do everything in our power to encourage local authorities to provide these holdings, and are giving them all the assistance that we can.

Mr. PALING

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the holdings constructed, or in course of construction, are in actual occupation?

Mr. GUINNESS

I could not say without notice.