§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Agriculture what losses were sustained by county councils on small holding estates for the year ended 31st March, 1926; and whether he can make any statement as to the liability of the Ministry arising out of the valuations ma de under the Land Settlement (Facilities) Amendment Act, 1925?
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Mr. GUINNESSThe aggregate amount of the claims made by county councils and councils of county boroughs in respect of the year ended 31st March, 1926, for losses on small holdings is £1,012,385. This figure includes losses which are strictly attributable to previous years, but have been carried forward and brought into the final year's claims. In reply to the last part of the question, it is not yet possible to state the amount that will be payable by the Ministry under the terms of the valuation made in accordance with the Land Settlement (Facilities) Amendment Act, 1925. It will several months before the valuations are completed and the amount of the Ministry's contributions ascertained.
§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Agriculture the total number of agricultural holdings of one acre and of not more than 50 acres in England and Wales for the year 1926?
Mr. GUINNESSThe number of agricultural holdings above one acre and not exceeding 50 acres in England and Wales on 4th June, 1926, was 261,826.