§ 37. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that county agricultural executive committees, in deciding whether an agricultural estate is managed efficiently in accordance with the criteria laid down in the Agriculture Act, 1947, discriminate in favour of larger estates and against smallholdings; and if he will appoint a committee under an independent chairman to inquire into this matter, details of which have been sent to him.
§ Sir T. DugdaleNo, Sir. The need for an independent inquiry does not. therefore, arise.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill my right hon. Friend take active and immediate steps to see that small farmers and smallholders are not victimised?
§ Sir T. DugdaleBut I do not accept the fact that they are victimised.
§ Sir W. SmithersMy right hon. Friend never does.