HC Deb 19 May 1930 vol 239 c30
64. Commander SOUTHBY

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Epsom and Sutton District Small Holdings Society, Limited, who rent land at North Looe Farm, Ewell, are anxious to have sufficient security of tenure to enable them to develop their already successful businesses and, therefore, applied to the Surrey County Council to be allowed to purchase their holdings, but were refused permission on the technical ground that the society rents more than 50 acres which have an annual value for the purpose of Income Tax of more than £100 and therefore does not come within the Small Holdings Act of 1926; and whether he will consider taking the necessary steps so to amend this Act as to protect men desirous of purchasing and developing the land they work on being prevented from so doing on similar technical grounds?

Mr. N. BUXTON

The point alluded to by the hon. and gallant Member will be noted for consideration in connection with any future amendments of the Small Holdings Acts which may be contemplated.

Commander SOUTHBY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men will be perfectly satisfied with an increase of 10 years on their existing leases, and can he take some steps with the county council to see if they can get it?

Mr. BUXTON

The county council has the right to make a decision on its own account.