§ 45. Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the sale of 765 acres of the Holt estate, near Worcester, for the sum of £29,995; how much of this land was agricultural and, therefore, derated; and 1002 what was the total net rent paid prior to the sale on the four or five farms concerned?
§ Sir K. WoodI regret that this information is not available.
§ Mr. StokesCan the Chancellor say when he proposes to take steps to control the price of land and speculation?
§ Sir K. WoodThat is the subject of the hon. Member's next Question.
§ Mr. McGovernAs the Government are conscripting life, when do they propose to take over the land of this country?
§ Sir K. WoodNot at the present time.
§ 46. Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to control the price of agricultural land for the war period by fixing the maximum price at 12 times the pre-war rent?
§ Sir K. WoodThe Government, as explained by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, have already taken steps to prevent such speculation in land as might prejudice the maximum production of food.
§ Mr. StokesIs the Chancellor aware that by failing to collect economic rents and to control the price of land, he is encouraging that vicious spiral which we all seek to avoid?