§ 3. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to receive the report of the Committee on County Council Smallholdings.
§ Mr. PeartI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Harwich (Mr. Ridsdale) on 25th November.
§ Mr. DigbyCan the right hon. Gentleman say in what month this report will be published? Is he aware that farmers' sons are experiencing increasing difficulty finding holdings of their own? What is the Government's policy to be on this matter?
§ Mr. PeartI agree that there is a problem, but the Committee was set up by my predecessor and I am anxious to see that it expedites its report. As soon as the report is ready I will make an announcement.
§ Mr. RidsdaleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the increase in the stamp, and in the petrol duty, and the increase in what these small farmers will have to pay as a result of the Bank Rate, is placing a heavy burden on them. Will he take urgent action to help them in this respect?
§ Mr. PeartThe hon. Member knows that his supplementary question has nothing whatever to do with the main Question.