§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the Minister of Agriculture whether an official arbitrator has been appointed in connection with the proposed acquisition of land for allotments at Highbridge, Somerset; what further steps have been taken with a view to arbitration in this case; and whether he will take immediate steps to have the acquisition of land expedited?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have ascertained that the official arbitrator appointed by the Land Values Reference Committee wrote to the parties on the 5th instant offering the earliest dates possible, viz., 27th June, for viewing the land, and 28th June for the hearing, but it is understood that these dates have not yet been accepted by the parties. I regret that I have no power to expedite the arbitration proceedings.