HC Deb 10 November 1930 vol 244 cc1311-2
51. Captain DUGDALE

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the profit or loss incurred in respect of the smallholdings in the North Riding of Yorkshire taken over under the provisions of the Land Settlement Act, 1919, during the years 1926 to 1930; and what was the sum, if any, paid by the Exchequer in respect of agreed losses on the same smallholdings during the four years in question?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)

As the answer contains a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Year Annual deficiency shown in the Council's Accounts. Agreed amount of Exchequer contribution.
£ s. d. £ s. d
1926–27 … 7,176 9 2 8,202 13 3
1927–28 … 7,167 17 3 8,262 8 8
1928–29 … 6,926 15 10 8,179 1 3
1929–30 … 6,785 6 1 8,000 13 9
The amounts shown in the final column are the amounts agreed to be paid under the terms of the valuation made in accordance with the Land Settlement (Facilities) Acts, 1919 and 1925. In comparing the figures with those in the second column it must be borne in mind that provision has to be made for future expenditure on maintenance and renewal of equipment, the cost of which in the early years is relatively small. It should be stated that the annual deficiency and the Exchequer contribution will diminish as loans arc repaid and that the land purchased by the council for smallholdings by means of loans will eventually become the unencumbered property of the council.