10. Mr. Slaterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what restrictions are still in force on local authorities regarding the acquisition of land for the creation of new holdings; and how such restrictions of expenditure affected County Durham.
§ Mr. GodberSmallholdings authorities require my right hon. Friend's approval under Section 48 of the Agriculture Act, 1947, to acquire land for smallholdings, and the approval of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, under Sections 166 and 195 of the Local Government Act, 1933, to use capital moneys or raise loans for the purpose. The Government's present policy is to encourage smallholdings authorities to concentrate on improving existing properties rather than acquiring new ones; but County Durham has submitted two proposals for acquisition in the last three years, and both were approved.