§ 17. Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state what steps it is necessary to take in districts where the land is held by large landowners who are also members of the parish council, and who refuse to accede to the request of workers in the neighbourhood who are anxious to act on the Government advice to raise foodstuffs, but are unable thus to obtain access to suitable land?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Prothero)Application should be made to the war agricultural executive committee of the county, who have, under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, to enter on any land which is not being so cultivated as to increase, as far as practicable, the food supply of the country, and arrange for its cultivation.
§ Mr. BILLINGCan the right hon. Gentleman state what is necessary for a man to do who wishes to get an allotment of land in the district in which he lives when the land is in the hands of large landowners who are on the parish and district councils and refuse to give the land?
§ Mr. PROTHEROI have not heard of any case of that sort arising, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with evidence I will be glad to make inquiries.
§ Mr. BYRNEWould the local authorities have the power under the Defence of the Realm Regulations to take over Government lands which are in Ireland at the present moment untilled?
§ Mr. PROTHEROAs far as I know the same Regulations apply to Government-land as to any other.
§ Mr. BYRNEWill the right hon. Gentleman advise the Chief Secretary to have the Phoenix Park tilled?