1. Brigadier-General WRIGHTasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction that has been expressed by those concerned locally at the rent charged by his Department for land let for the purposes of allotments at Tamerton Road, St. Budeaux; and whether in fixing this rent due regard has been had to the lower rents which are charged for similar land by his Department in the same district?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. T. Shaw)I have already had correspondence with the hon. and gallant Member on this matter and, as I have explained to him, the difference in the rental value of the various lands in the district is due to the nature of the soil, the position, and the conditions of tenure. I am advised that a fair rental only is charged for these allotments.
Brigadier-General WRIGHTBut is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the advice given by his Department's representative on the spot, that there is a note-worthy difference in value between these two sets of allotments, is not correct?
§ Mr. SHAWNo, I am not aware of that kind of advice from my representative on the spot. On the contrary, my advice is that a reasonable rent is charged for all land, and the rent is based on that fact.
Brigadier-General WRIGHTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that to make these difficulties for allotment-holders and smallholders is scarcely consistent with the policy of the Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Bill?
§ Mr. SHAWI have no desire to create difficulties for allotment-holders, but, unless I have definite proof that the rents charged are unfair and are not fixed in an equitable way, I must decline to take any action.
Brigadier-General WRIGHTWill the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries on this point, of which I have close and intimate knowledge?
§ Mr. SHAWIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me one typical case, it will help. I am willing to help him in every possible way if he feels that justice is not being done.