§ 62. Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture the total number of agricultural holdings as distinct from ½-acre holdings administered by the Land Settlement Association, and the number of such holdings which were vacant on 1st February last?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am informed by the Land Settlement Association that the estates which they have acquired will provide 1,502 agricultural holdings exceeding half an acre. 1,053 holdings were occupied or ready for occupation on 1st February last; of these, 330 were vacant at that time, but there were about 150 men awaiting transfer to these holdings.
§ Mr. MorganAs this is part of the Government's attempt to solve a certain section of the unemployment question, may I inquire how long it is since these estates were acquired, and how long the holdings have been vacant?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe position as regards the Land Settlement Association is at the present moment under review by a committee appointed by the Com missioner of the Special Areas.
§ Mr. MorganCan the Minister say when that inquiry is likely to be completed?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithNo, I cannot.