§ 38. Sir WALTER ESSEXasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is issuing, and, if so, by what means, instructions for cropping of land hitherto under grass?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe war agricultural committees have been asked to promote the breaking up of grass land, wherever this course would be to the national interest and there is sufficient labour and machinery available for the purpose. Compulsory powers have been conferred on the committees enabling them, if they think fit, to enter on land and cultivate it themselves. I am sending a copy of the Board's instructions on the subject, and of the Cultivation of Lands Order, 1917, to my hon. Friend.
§ Sir W. ESSEXMy question has not been fully answered: does the Board give instructions as to the type of crop that can be safely grown upon the land which has been for years devoted to grass?
§ Sir R. WINFREYOh, yes; we have given instructions on that point to the war agricultural committees.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTWhat steps will the farmer have to take if he desires to break up land that is in pasture and which he is prohibited from breaking up by the terms of his lease?
§ Sir R. WINFREYHe has to get into communication with the war agricultural committee; they can give him power. If he gets their consent he can do it.
§ Sir C. HENRYWill the landlord get any compensation?
§ Mr. FLAVINCan the hon. Gentleman say why, if compulsory powers are given to this country to break up land, the same compulsory powers are not given to Ireland?
§ Sir R. WINFREYI cannot possibly answer that.