§ Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that A. Southwell, C. Thorpe, and T. H. Southwell, Uppingham, ex-service men, applied 10 months ago for small holdings to the Rutland County Council; whether these applications were accepted; whether one of the applicants was informed that possession would take place in October, 1920, and in the other two cases early in 1921; whether the applicants have on a 951W number of occasions written to the Rutland Council but have had no reply; and whether he will state when land will be provided for these ex-service men?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe Ministry is aware that there is an unsatisfied demand on the part of ex-service men for small holdings at Uppingham. The Ministry has already urged the Rutland County Council to acquire land in order to satisfy the demand, if necessary by the exercise of compulsory powers, and the Ministry will arrange for its District Commissioner to take the matter up again with the Council and the result will be communicated to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. CAPEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that T. Billington, 12, Hale Road, Tottenham, an ex-service man with three years and ten months' service, applied to the Middlesex County Council in August, 1920, for a small holding; that this man has had considerable experience of farming and gardening, and has won numerous prizes for exhibits in open competition; that the applicant was approved by the appropriate committee; for what reason this man's name has since been struck off the list; and whether steps will be taken to provide this man with a holding?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe Ministry is informed by the Middlesex County Council that T. Billington was not approved by the appropriate Committee as a suitable applicant for a small holding. The Council state that he was interviewed on 28th January by a Sub-committee and was rejected because he stated he had no capital.
§ Mr. SPOORasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that on 7th July, 1919, application was made by the Furness and Lake District Federation of Allotment Associations to the Lancashire County Council to meet the demand for smallholdings; that, in November, 1919, the land was surveyed by the county land agent and that selected by the applicants considered satisfactory; that, in February, 1920, the county council stated the matter was still being considered; that, in March, a further request from the applicants received a bare acknowledgment; that, in May, a representative of the county council again investigated the matter; that, in July, application 952W forms from the county council were signed by the applicants and returned to the council; that, in August, a further investigation took place and a promise of land made; that, in November, in response to further request by applicants, the county council replied that negotiations were in progress; that, in January, 1921, the same reply was given; when land will actually be provided for these ex-service men; and whether he will consider the desirability of introducing new legislation which will enable land to be acquired for small holdings and allotments on easier and speedier procedure?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe Ministry has no information in its possession with regard to the applications for smallholdings referred to, but immediate inquiries will be made by one of the Ministry's Commissioners and the result communicated to the hon. Member. As regards the last part of the question, the Ministry is of opinion that the existing legislation makes adequate provision for the acquisition of land for small holdings and allotments.