asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) what is the official estimate of the present unsatisfied demands for small holdings in England and Wales;

(2) whether he can give the number and total acreages of new holdings which have been provided under the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts and the Land Settlement Acts, respectively, since the 1st January last?

Mr. SMITH:

I will answer these two questions together. Statistics in regard to the provision of small holdings are collected by the Ministry through the county councils and councils of county boroughs half-yearly in January and July. The returns showing the position as at the 16th instant will be received by the Ministry shortly, and as soon as the figures have been classified and tabulated I will send the hon. Member the information for which he asks.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed to take any action to carry out the recommendations of the Agricultural Tribunal for the further development of small holdings?

Mr. SMITH:

my right hon. Friend is carefully considering the recommendations of the Agricultural Tribunal in regard to small holdings, but before a new scheme can be put into operation, a revision of the existing, financial arrangements between the Ministry and local authorities will be necessary, and this will involve fresh legislation. In the circumstances, some time must elapse before it will be possible to formulate definite proposals.