§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on the purchase of land by county councils for the creation of small holdings.
§ Mr. StrangLocal authorities are empowered to purchase land for small holdings purposes under section 120 of the Local Government Act 1972. They have to obtain the consent of my right hon. Friend the Minister or that of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales to the initial letting of this land, as required by part III of the Agriculture Act 1970. Such applications would be considered sympathetically.