Mr. RUNCIMANasked the Minister of Agriculture what acreage has been bought or leased by the County Council of Dorset for small holdings under the Small Holdings Act, 1908, up to 1928; and what are the similar figures under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926?
Mr. GUINNESSAbout two-thirds of the land which has been acquired by the Dorset County Council for small holdings purposes was purchased or taken on lease during the period 1919–26 under the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919. The following statement therefore shows separately the area acquired by the council at the end of each of the years 1918, 1926 and 1928:
Area acquired. Acres. I.—Acquired from 1908 to 1918 under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908: Purchased 504 Hired 3,063 Total 3,567 II.—Area acquired prior to the passing of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926, and still retained at 31st December, 1928: Purchased 5,494 Hired 4,926 Total 10,420 III.—Area acquired in 1927 and 1928 under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926: Purchased ⅓ Hired — Total ⅓ Note.—The figures given under II comprise the areas given under I, together with the acreage acquired under the Act 1517W of 1919 after making allowance for any land sold to tenants or otherwise disposed of previous to 31st December, 1928.