HC Deb 30 March 1950 vol 473 cc53-4W
56. Mr. Gooch

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the difficulty in some counties in implementing his policy of abolishing part-time holdings and converting them into fully equipped full-time holdings; and if he will consult with representatives of the counties affected on this question.

Mr. T. Williams

The objective of the Government's smallholdings policy is to help agricultural workers to become farmers on their own account by creating more properly equipped full-time smallholdings. I recognise that problems may arise in applying this policy to existing estates, which include many part-time and bare-land holdings. Smallholdings authorities are aware of my opinion that time will be needed to make the necessary changes. When the authorities concerned have prepared the review reports on which they are now engaged, I shall be pleased to arrange for future action to be discussed with their representatives.