49. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the names of the arbitrators appointed by him under the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1948, are not available to the public.
§ Mr. John HareThe panel is appointed by the Lord Chief Justice solely for the purposes of the Minister's own functions under the Act and publication would serve no practical purpose. I understand that the professional bodies concerned have always shared the view that the names should not be published. This practice is of long standing.
Mr. WilliamsIs the Minister aware that, rightly or wrongly, and I will not argue the point, there is a feeling in certain quarters that one or two of these professional organisations seem to be particularly favoured in these appointments?
§ Mr. HareI do not think there is any truth in any such allegation, but I will certainly make inquiries if the right hon. Gentleman gives me further details. I would point out that this system worked to his satisfaction during the whole time he held my office.
50. Mr. T. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions any of the 30 six members of the Land Agents Society were appointed by him as arbitrators under the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1948, during the year ended 28th February, 1957; if he will give similar figures for the 48 members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the 18 members of both societies; and if he will state the maximum number of arbitrations undertaken by one individual appointed by him.
§ Mr. John HareIn that year, the six arbitrators who were members of the Land Agents Society were appointed by the Minister to deal with 9 cases similarly the 48 arbitrators who were members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors dealt with 89 cases and the 18 arbitrators who were members of both bodies dealt with 50 cases. The maximum number of arbitrations undertaken by any one arbitrator was 11.