40. Brigadier-General BROWN (forMajor CARVER)asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the loss sustained in 1932 upon the Sutton Bridge smallholdings and allotments, he can state whether this loss is still being incurred; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to effect economies?
§ Major ELLIOTOf the items on the debit side of the Estate Profit and Loss Account of the Sutton Bridge Farm Settlement for 1931, amounting in all to £32,659, only £4,400 (which includes £2,813 for repairs) represents items over which the Department has any control, and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the most rigid economy will continue to be exercised in regard to such items. The remaining sum of £28,259 includes the permanent annuity of £18,500 in consideration of which the property was purchased, £5,087 interest on Exchequer advances, £2,876 for depreciation of buildings, and £1,407 for tithes, rates, etc. These charges are for the most part in respect of obligations entered into in connection with the post-War scheme of land settlement, and reflect the general high level of prices and rates of interest 990 which obtained at the time. On the other side of the account, the receipts consist almost entirely of the rents of the small holdings and allotments which are full fair rents and cannot be increased.
Brigadier-General BROWNDoes not the very heavy loss suffered by the Government in farm management show the plight of agriculture, and will the right hon. Gentleman do what he can to start proposals for altering it?