Captain COOTEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (1) whether any arrangement exists between his Ministry and the Disposal Board whereby Army huts may be obtained at special rates for the use of small-holders settled under the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act in remote districts or districts where housing accommodation is insufficient:
(2) whether county councils who apply to his Ministry with a view to the purchase of Army huts suitable for conversion into dwelling-houses can be supplied with them; and, if not, to whom application should be made?
Sir A. BOSCAWENNo such arrangement as that suggested by the hon. and gallant Member exists. In view of the fact that the whole of any losses incurred on land settlement schemes falls to be met from public funds, there would not appear to be any object in allowing county councils to acquire huts for this purpose at a reduced price. An informal 1573W arrangement exists between the Ministry and the Disposal Board whereby the Board will reserve from sale any Army huts specifically required by a county council for land settlement schemes, but in these cases the average market price is payable.