§ 36. Mr. RAFFANasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether there is a large area of land in urban districts and in the proximity of villages at present uncultivated or only partially cultivated which cannot be acquired under the recent Order in Council because it is not technically vacant land; and whether he will take steps under the Defence of the Realm Act to take possession of such land for purposes of food production during the period of the War at a rent not exceeding that at which it appears in the rate book?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThis class of land is being dealt with in a new Order which will enable urban authorities, under certain restrictions, to take over land whether occupied or not. It is not practicable to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. RAFFANCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the Order has actually been issued and, if so, will it be available to Members?
§ Sir R. WINFREYIt will be issued in a day or two, and I will send the hon. Member a copy.