HC Deb 09 November 1950 vol 480 c78W
56. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Agriculture what general directions he has issued under Section 50 of the Agriculture Act, 1947, as to the layout, size and equipment of smallholdings; when they were issued; and whether he will send copies thereof to Members of Parliament on request and place copies in the Library.

Mr. G. Brown

No directions have been issued under Section 50 of the Agriculture Act, 1947, as to the layout, size and equipment of smallholdings, but advice on these matters in the First Report of the Smallholdings Advisory Council has been brought to the notice of smallholdings authorities. This report was published and a copy is in the Library. In addition, a Manual of Guidance on these matters prepared by the Advisory Council will be issued as soon as it can be printed. Copies will be placed in the Library.

66. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the principal of the land acquisition and management division of his Department announced in a Press interview at Cambridge in September, 1950, that it was his Department's policy to eliminate smallholdings to make way for block farming; and whether he will alter that policy, in view of the need for smallholdings, including part-time smallholdings.

Mr. G. Brown

No such Press interview was held and no such announcement was made. The last part of the Question does not arise.