HC Deb 26 November 1945 vol 416 cc893-4
66. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is his intention to issue a further statement in the near future explaining how the Government's agricultural policy applies to smallholdings.

Mr. T. Williams

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Norfolk (Mr. Dye) on 15th October last.

Mr. Dye

Will my right hon. Friend allow the county councils to carry on with the normal development of smallholdings inside their own areas, as they did before the war?

Mr. Williams

As I understand it, throughout the course of the war, county councils were not permitted to have loans for the purpose of making more smallholdings, and I think that prohibition still remains.

Mr. Dye

I am asking my right hon. Friend if he will allow them to continue the pre-war practice.

Mr. Williams

Before any steps are taken in that directon, consultations will have to take place with the County Councils' Association and various other interests.

Mr. De la Bère

Something must be done for the smallholder.

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