§ 39. Sir GIFFORD FOXasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of small holdings over one acre which have been created in each of the last three years; and what is the present aggregate total acreage of such small holdings in the United Kingdom according to the latest statistics in his possession?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the number of agricultural holdings over one acre and not exceeding 50 acres in Great Britain in each of the last three years, and also the number of statutory small holdings provided in each of those years. I regret I am unable to give particulars of the total number of small holdings of all kinds created in these years. With regard to the last part of the question, the acreage of agricultural land comprised in the various size groups of holdings is not available in respect of the years 1932–34, but the aggregate total acreage of statutory small holdings in Great Britain on 31st December, 1934, was approximately 1,100,000 acres. Corresponding figures for Northern Ireland are not available.
§ Following is the statement:
| Year. | Number of agricultural holdings over one acre and not exceeding 50 acres returned in June in Great Britain * | Number of statutory holding created in Great Britain. |
| 1932 | 299,932 | 301 |
| 1933 | 297,758 | 333 |
| 1934 | 292,847 | 423 |
| * These figures include parcels of land which are separately returned but in many cases comprise areas of accommodation and other land which would not normally be regarded as agricultural or small holdings. The number of parcels of land of this description cannot be given. |