THE MAKQUESS OF LINCOLNSHIREMy Lords, I desire to ask His Majesty's Government to inform the House what progress has been made with regard to the Small Holdings Bill, and whether it will be introduced in the House of Lords at an early date.
§ THE PARLIMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (LORD BLEDISLOE)My Lords, in reply to the Question asked 990 by the noble Marquess, the Small Holdings Bill will be introduced in the House of Commons and not in this House as it involves questions of finance, both national and local. I may say that His Majesty's Government most fully sympathise with the noble Marquess in his obvious desire that this Bill shall be introduced as soon as possible. It is already in course of preparation at the Ministry of Agriculture and, subject to unforeseen developments, the Minister of Agriculture hopes to introduce it in another place shortly after Whitsuntide. I think that is all I can say at the moment in reply to the Question.