§ Mr. McEnteeasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the large number of applicants for smallholdings in the county of Essex; and what steps he is taking to satisfy the demand where applicants are considered to be suitable by the county authority.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am aware that there is an unsatisfied demand for smallholdings in Essex, as in other parts of the country, but owing to the acute shortage of building labour and materials I do not consider that it will be practicable in the immediate future to satisfy this demand by the provision and equipment of additional smallholdings. Meanwhile, I have the question of future smallholdings policy under active consideration.