§ Mr. HAYDAYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction of ex-service men in the Romney Marsh district owing to the failure of the Kent County Council in providing small holdings as promised in July, 1919; that many of these men have been waiting for holdings over twelve months; that there is a considerable area of land in this dis- 278W Trict which could be procured for small holdings; and whether he will make inquiries into the cause of this delay?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Kent County Council have inspected some 700 acres in Romney Marsh with a view to acquiring land to meet the approved demand from twenty-one ex-service men who require 366 acres. As a result of these inspections, the council, with the approval of the Ministry, attempted to purchase 180 acres which were offered for auction in September last, but the property realised a higher price than the Ministry were able to sanction. The council are at present negotiating for the acquisition of 27¼ acres, and have assured the Ministry that they are not neglecting any opportunities to acquire suitable land in the district referred to.