HC Deb 10 May 1909 vol 4 cc1632-4W
Mr. BRODIE

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether anything has yet been done towards satisfying the demands of applicants at Westerham, in Kent, for small holdings; and, if not, whether the Board of Agriculture will send down an inspector to investigate the position?

Sir E. STRACHEY

We are sending down an inspector to make inquiry, and when we receive his report I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Mr. BRODIE

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether the visit of the Board of Agriculture's inspector to Limps-field and Oxted is likely to result in any of the applicants in those villages obtaining land; and, if not, what further steps do the Board propose to take?

Sir E. STRACHEY

We are in communication with the county council in reference to the suggestions made by our inspector, but I am not as yet able to make any further statement on the matter.

Mr. BRODIE

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Board can in any way assist the Surrey County Council to obtain suitable land for the members of the Redhill Small Holders Society?

Sir E. STRACHEY

If my hon. Friend will be good enough to supply me with detailed information as to the application of the Redhill Small Holders Society, inquiry shall at once be made.

Mr. BRODIE

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset what steps have been taken by the Surrey County Council to obtain land for applicants for small holdings at Godstone and South Godstone; and whether the Board will send down an inspector to see if there is any way in which the county council could be assisted to obtain suitable land?

Sir E. STRACHEY

We are informed that there is only one approved applicant for land in the parishes mentioned. He already holds 15 acres, and, inasmuch as the land for which he has applied is part of an existing small holding, it cannot be acquired compulsorily.

Mr. CECIL HARMSWORTH

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether there are any county councils that propose to debit against their leasehold tenants under the Small Holdings and Allotment Act, 1906, the Sinking Fund charges incurred under the terms of the Act?

Sir E. STRACHEY

We understand that all county councils have decided to include Sinking Fund charges in the rents of holdings.