§ 52. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications for smallholdings, approved by the county councils in England and Wales, are outstanding; and if he is now able to authorise the councils to provide new holdings for experienced farm workers.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)There are some 3,000 approved applications for smallholdings in the hands of county and county borough councils in England and Wales. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Hollis) on 24th January.
§ Mr. HurdWhile the Minister is awaiting the report of his Advisory Committee, could he have inquiries made to see how much land being farmed through the county committees would be suitable for smallholdings and can be released?
§ Mr. WilliamsWe might look at this problem once the Committee's report is in my hands, which will be in a few days.
§ Major Legge-BourkeHow many of these 3,000 applications also involve applications for houses as well as holdings?
§ 54. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications for smallholdings, approved by the Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, are outstanding; and what plans he has in hand to assist county councils in their endeavours to provide more smallholdings at an early date.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe numbers of approved applications for smallholdings in the hands of these county councils are: Norfolk, 461; West Suffolk, nil; East Suffolk, 12. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Hollis) on 24th January.