asked the Minister of Agriculture how much the Odium v. Stratton dispossessed farmer's case has now cost the taxpayer.

The total cost of this case amounted to £6,034 17s. 8d.

Might I ask the Minister, in order to save further expenditure, and in view of the fact that there are still hundreds, if not thousands of British farmers who were dispossessed and suffering under a burning sense of injustice, if he would, even at this stage, set up an independent committee under an English judge?

This Question only asked how much this case cost, nothing more than that, and the answer has been given.

With great respect, Sir, in order to avoid further cases of this kind, I am asking that a committee should be set up so that all these cases can come before an independent tribunal.

The case referred to by the hon. Member was in reference to a libel case, and I do not know of any similar cases.

asked the Minister of Agriculture in what category Mr. Odium's farm was classified immediately before the Odium v. Stratton trial commenced.

It is not my practice to disclose the grading of any particular farm except, on occasion, to the occupier himself.

But is not the Minister aware that the essence of the Odium v. Stratton case was the classification of Mr. Odium's farm immediately before? May I ask him further, were all the relevant papers asked for submitted at the trial by the Ministry?

The fact that this was the one case where libel ensued is a warning not to repeat the offence later.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that questions dealing with these matters should have been addressed to his predecessor in Office?