HC Deb 05 November 1929 vol 231 cc804-5
2. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has any legislative proposals to make to enable the unemployed to work on the land; and whether he has given consideration to the scheme recently publicly proposed by the First Commissioner of Works of spending some millions of money in land colonisation in Great Britain.

Mr. THOMAS

The Government are considering the promotion of legislation to enable comprehensive works of land drainage to be undertaken. This is a field in which work on the land could make an early contribution to unemployment. The Government have also increased the programme of the Forestry Commission from £5,500,000 to £9,000,000. No legislation is required. This extension will enable the settlement on forest holdings of increased numbers of married miners.

Sir K. WOOD

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the First Commissioner of Works on his scheme for land colonisation? Does he know that the First Commissioner of Works has devoted a great deal of time to this matter?

Mr. THOMAS

I believe that the First Commissioner has devoted a considerable time to the matter. I also have devoted a considerable time to it, and this is the practical result of that consideration.

Mr. SKELTON

Are we to understand that the present Government do not propose to develop land settlement other than forest settlement during their term of office?

Mr. THOMAS

Oh, no; the hon. Member must not understand that. He must only understand that this is a first contribution.

Sir BASIL PETO

Will this proposal be included in the White Paper which was promised yesterday?

Mr. THOMAS

No, Sir.

Mr. SPEAKER

We are taking a long time over this question.