§ 38. Mr. SNOWDENasked the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he is aware that the whole value of the powers given to local authorities to seize land for food growing is destroyed by the fact that the land must be handed back by January, 1918, seeing that no allotment holder will take derelict land, dig it, and clean it, to lose it after the first crop; and if it is possible to make some change by which a longer tenure of occupation can be secured?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Sir Richard Winfrey)The Board do not agree with the statement made in the first part of the question. Over 66,000 plots have already been taken up under the Order, and the demand has by no means been yet fully satisfied. The true position is that the Board have said they could not guarantee possession of plots after the 1st January next, but it does not follow from that that the plots will have to be given on that date. The whole question is, however, under consideration, and it is hoped that a further statement on the subject may be made shortly.
§ Commander WEDGWOODIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this difficulty about the surrender of plots is one that engaged his own personal attention three months ago, and has nothing been done yet to secure either compensation or security of tenure?
§ Sir R. WINFREYYes, Sir. It has engaged my attention, and I hope to make a further statement shortly which will be of a satisfactory character.
§ Commander WEDGWOODThen why is this statement to go out to the public that plots have to be handed back on the 1st January?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe latter part of my answer states that the whole question is still under consideration, and it is hoped to make a further statement shortly.
§ Commander WEDGWOODThree months.