§ 68. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made with the formulation of a policy embodying his Department's proposals regarding land settlement and smallholdings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Norfolk (Mr. Dye) on 15th October last.
§ Mr. GoochIs the Minister aware that some county councils are considering refusing applications for smallholdings on the ground that it is raising false hopes; and can he indicate the nature of his reply to the request of the County Councils Association that he should receive a deputation to point out to him the urgent necessity of the Government declaring their policy in this respect?
§ Mr. WilliamsI can assure my hon. Friend that before any final decision is taken the county councils and county boroughs will be consulted on this matter.