§ 49. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the value of smallholdings as a means of assisting the farmworker to become a farmer, he will take steps to ensure that more holdings are available for men experienced in agriculture.
Mr. HudsonIt is not practicable at present to embark on a programme of increased numbers of smallholdings.
§ Mr. ButcherWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the desirability of increasing the number of smallholdings to ensure that recruits to farming are not drawn from one class alone?
Mr. HudsonThat is rather begging the question. It is well for my hon. Friend and Members who are continually referring to this question of smallholdings to remember that on 4th June, 1942, there were no fewer than 231,612 agricultural holdings under 50 acres in this country.
§ Sir J. LambWill my right hon. Friend also give the numbers of men who have been long engaged in agriculture and whose applications for holdings cannot be granted?