§ 48. Wing-Commander Jamesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the fact that such a record could be easily kept, he will instruct his Department to keep a record of all purchases of agricultural land of over, say, 200 acres, that are made not for occupation but for prompt re-sale; and whether he will thereafter publish periodical lists of the agents and principals concerned in such transactions?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)My hon. and gallant Friend is, I think, mistaken in thinking that a useful record of the kind which he suggests could be easily compiled or kept. His suggestion would require legislation, and is not, in my view, a practicable or desirable way of dealing with the problem of speculation.
§ Wing-Commander JamesCannot the Inland Revenue valuation department easily provide the record? Does my right hon. Friend realise the strong feeling in this matter in all parts of the House, and that something must be done about it? If I put a Question down later, will he say what progress the Government have made in the prevention of land speculation?
§ Mr. HudsonAs I said in the Debate the other day, I am perfectly aware of the feeling in the House and, indeed, I share that feeling, but there is a great deal of difference between feeling strongly and finding out how to solve a difficulty. But my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are applying our minds to the problem, and we hope to make an announcement as soon as we can.
§ Wing-Commander JamesWill my right hon. Friend give an indication as to when I can put down a Question that will produce an answer?
§ Mr. HudsonI cannot foretell how quickly our minds will work.