HC Deb 22 February 1940 vol 357 cc1525-6
52. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will institute an inquiry into the whole problem of land settlement, including small holdings established by county councils, with a view to the preparation of a comprehensive scheme which can be put into operation immediately after the war for the benefit of men who have served in His Majesty's Forces and others?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I do not consider that such an inquiry as is suggested is necessary at the present time. The question of land settlement is one that will need to be re-examined in connection with any general programme of reconstruction alter the war, and in the light of the agricultural and other conditions then prevailing. Ample information as to existing schemes of land settlement is already available in the form of published reports on the subject.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend reply to the latter part of my question?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

That will have to be a matter for consideration later.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

If I put down a Question in a short time will my right hon. and gallant Friend be able to give me some more satisfactory answer?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I could not say that, but I still think it is a matter which should await later consideration.

Mr. T. Williams

In view of our experience in food production since the last war, should we not be rendering better service if we organised large holdings rather than small holdings?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

That is one of the points, and we have a lot of information on the subject.

Mr. Tomlinson

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman remember that you cannot bluff a generation twice?