§ 30. Mr. Rees-Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that the first proposals of the Japanese Government in relation to rural land reform would mean that less than 30 per cent. of the land at present held by landowners and worked by tenants would be transferred to tenant ownership and that even this transfer would involve a difficult and expensive process for the tenants, what proposals he is making to the Allied Council for Japan to ensure that a more satisfactory system is put into operation.
Mr. McNeilThe first proposals for land reform made by the Japanese Government are now superseded by the Law for the Establishment of Owner Farmers, which was passed by the Japanese Diet on nth October, 1946. It is estimated that by this law tenant-farmers will come into possession of at least 60 per cent. of the land in Japan. The procedure laid down for the transfer and sale of land appears to be favourable to the tenants. My right hon. Friend is not, therefore, making any proposals to the Allied Council on this subject.