§ 68. Mr. B. RILEYasked the Minister of Agriculture the total number of small holdings which have been provided by county councils in England and Wales under the Small Holdings Act, 1926; and the total acreage of such small holdings?
§ Dr. ADDISONAccording to the latest returns received from county councils, the number of holdings provided up to 31st December, 1929, under the Act referred to, was 444 on an area of 9,720 acres. Since that date schemes have been approved relating to a further 172 holdings on an area of 7,027 acres, and in addition a few holdings have been provided without recourse to the Ministry for a contribution.
§ Mr. RILEYIs not my right hon. Friend aware that when this Act was passed it was expected that 2,000 holdings would be created, and, in view of the failure to reach anything like that number, could he not take steps to speed up the creation of these small holdings?
§ Dr. ADDISONThat matter is now under consideration.