HC Deb 21 March 1947 vol 435 cc125-6W
Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Minister of -Agriculture if he will give a detailed account of the total costs direct and indirect incurred by his Department in connection with the committee meeting at Lewes on 3rd July, 1946, and the tribunal hearing on 12th December, 1946, preparatory to the dispossession from his holding of Mr. House, Great Studgate Farm, West Hoathly, Sussex.

Mr. T. Williams

The meeting referred to was the regular weekly meeting of the East Sussex War Agricultural Executive Committee. Mr. House's case was only one of a number of items on the agenda, and it involved no additional direct cost. The direct cost of the Tribunal hearing amounted to £65. As the hon. Member will appreciate, the indirect costs arising from the taking of administrative action in a case such as this, include part of the salaries of a number of officials. A considerable amount of work would be necessary to arrive at any estimate, and I do not feel that this would be justified in present circumstances.