§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is a considerable demand for land for allotments at Highbridge, Somerset; whether there is delay in carrying through the arbitration for the acquisition of certain land; and whether he will take steps with a view to the arbitration being expedited in order that the applicants may procure the land for cultivation immediately?
§ Mr. PARKERThe reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The matter has been referred to the Official Arbitrator under the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919, and the Ministry has no jurisdiction as regards his appointment, which is a matter for the reference committees appointed under that Act. The Ministry will, however, make representations to the Defence Committee as to the desirability of expediting the arbitration proceedings.