HC Deb 20 November 1940 vol 365 cc1982-3
49. Brigadier-General Clifton Brown

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that he is causing heavy losses in production of milk and food by compulsorily acquiring a factory site on some of the best agricultural land in a certain locality; that alternative land of no agricultural value is in the same neighbourhood; that the County Agricultural Committee have protested against this action as a discouragement to farmers; that his contractors, before arrangements are completed, are dumping material on farms concerned and asking for more neighbouring farms to be handed over for camps; and whether he will send representatives to consult county local authorities for an alternative site before further action?

Sir A. Duncan

Several sites in the locality had been considered for the erection of a factory and the Ministry of Agriculture had withdrawn their objection to the site chosen. Action to secure formal entry was suspended on receipt of a request from the County Agricultural Committee that a deputation should be received; but I regret that through a misunderstanding, arrangements for the delivery of certain materials to the site were not altered. My hon. Friend Parliamentary Secretary received the deputation on Monday last and their suggestion for an alternative site was fully considered. Inspection, however, has shown that this alternative site has serious disadvantages. The committee is being informed that while the site for the factory will remain as chosen, the Ministry of Supply is prepared to discuss an alternative piece of land for the camps.

Brigadier-General Brown

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in taking over this site, he is destroying production of 35,000 gallons of milk annually besides a quantity of wheat and sheep? Is he not further aware of alternative sites in the neighbourhood, most of which is common land and a most suitable site; and if any legal difficulties exist about taking common land, cannot the Government find a short cut to deal with this in the same way as with private land?

Sir A. Duncan

If a more suitable site could have been obtained by the action proposed, it would have been taken.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Is adequate consideration being given to the use at present being made of the land?

Sir A. Duncan

In all these cases large sites are required. There are certain limiting factors. Obviously full consideration should be given to the character of the land and its present use, and it is for that reason that full consultation is taken with the Ministry of Agriculture. Had an alternative site been available it would have been chosen.

Brigadier-General Brown

It is not only this Ministry but other Ministries which do great harm to agriculture when there is no need for it. I will raise the point when I get an opportunity.