§ 44. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is by his authority that advertisements are being inserted in the newspapers inviting persons wholly or partially unemployed to enrol their names as desiring to obtain allotments under the Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Bill; and from what source is the expenditure on such advertisements being met?
§ Mr. WILLIAM WHITELEYMy right hon. Friend has not seen the advertisements to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, but he is aware that a large number of local authorities responsible for administering the Allotments Acts have recently taken steps to ascertain the extent of the demand for allotment gardens existing in their areas among persons who are unemployed or not in full-time employment. This action by local authorities was suggested by the Minister in a circular letter issued on the 6th December last. In reply to the last part of the question, the cost of advertisements and any other inquiries will be defrayed by local authorities as part of their expenses under the Allotments Acts.
§ Mr. MILLSIs not the reason for these advertisements the idea that prospective settlers may have an opportunity of getting seeds and equipment before the season starts?