§ Mr. Parkerasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement about agrarian reform in the British zone.
§ Mr. J. HyndIn accordance with the scheme of agrarian reform now to be undertaken in the British zone of Germany no private individual, company or trust will be allowed to own undeveloped land in excess of an agreed maximum acreage. This will not apply to land already owned by public or semi-public bodies, such as religious, co-operative and charitable organisations. The titles to all land in excess of that which present owners may retain will be taken over by the Land governments who will be responsible for any measures of compensation considered appropriate. These measures will be24W subject to the general supervision of the British Regional Commissioners in each area. The objects of the reform are, first, the reduction of the economic and political power represented by the ownership of large estates, and, secondly, the provision of opportunities of land settlement and agrarian employment. The reform will be carried into effect in such a way as not to prejudice the production of food in the zone.