§ 28. Major CARVERasked the Minister of Agriculture if he can explain the reason for the reduction in the number of allotments in 1930; how these figures compare with those in 1931; and how many requests for allotments are still unsatisfied?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe main reason for the decrease in allotments is that the enhanced value of land in the vicinity of towns brings about its diversion to other uses, and it is difficult to acquire other land equally convenient to the allotment holders. I have no information as to the position in 1931 as compared with 1930, as returns were not collected last year. The number of unsatisfied applicants at the end of 1930 was 9,868. Most of these would be accommodated in due course, either on new land then in course of acquisition or on existing allotments as vacancies occurred.