§ 67. Sir H. NIELDasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has received any complaints from war agricultural committees or other public bodies or individuals concerning damage done to growing wheat by gipsy encampments having been deliberately placed upon land formerly derelict, but which has been brought under cultivation by such committees to meet the present need for increased food production; if so, whether he has taken any, and what, action; and whether he will ensure that, either by statutory Regulation or other means, this wilful damage to crops shall, as in the case of allotments, be made punishable and gypsies compelled to camp where directed by the local authority or police?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. If the hon. Member would furnish me with information indicating the inadequacy of the existing law and Defence of the Realm Regulations to prevent destruction of crops, it will have my careful consideration.