HC Deb 06 November 1911 vol 30 cc1439-40W
Mr. FFRENCH

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Wexford Rural District Council had just completed a scheme for giving an additional half-acre to the agricultural labourer when the funds under the Labourers Acts became exhausted; and whether a claim by this council for funds to pay for the land out of the additional million voted for the purpose of carrying out the Labourers Acts will be recognised?

Mr. BIRRELL

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. So far as the Local Government Board are aware, the last additional allotment scheme of the Wexford Rural District Council prior to the exhaustion of the four-and-a-quarter millions was that formulated early in 1910, and on 23rd March, 1910, the Board sanctioned a loan of £3,450, out of the funds provided under the Labourers Act of 1906, to enable the council to carry their proposals into effect.

Mr. FFRENCH

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the undertaking given by the Government that the additional million granted for the purpose of carrying out the Labourers Acts will be applied solely for the purpose of providing house accommodation with gardens attached thereto practically nullifies the Labourers Act of 1896, which empowered rural councils to acquire additional allotments for tenants who desired more land; and, if so, will the Government give an additional grant for the acquisition of more land for allotment purposes?

Mr. BIRRELL

The undertaking does not deprive rural district councils of the powers conferred by the Labourers Act of 1892 (not 1896), as it is open to them to have recourse to the open market for any money required to finance authorised schemes for the provision of additional allotments. The reply to the latter part of the question is in the negative.