asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now make a statement as to what steps are to be taken during 1947 to derequisition and return to their owners all smallholdings at present requisitioned, and to assist those smallholders who are without sufficient implements to obtain them in order to recommence activities on their holdings.

In view of the serious food situation, I am unable to give an undertaking that any smallholdings at present requisitioned will be restored in 1947 to owners who were dispossessed for bad farming.

Is not the Minister aware that they were dispossessed because of the compulsory orders for cropping, which they could not carry out, and that if they were given the tools they could produce more food on these holdings?

No, Sir, I am only aware of the fact that they were dispossessed because of bad farming.