HC Deb 17 February 1919 vol 112 cc539-41
30. Mr. DENISON-PENDER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he as aware that alarm exists among allotment holders as to their length of tenure of the land; and whether he can make any statement of the intentions of His Majesty's Government in reference thereto?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

The Board recognise the anxiety of allotment holders on this subject, and they have recently issued a Memorandum to horticultural sub-committees with reference thereto. I will send a copy to my hon. Friend.

Mr. DENISON-PENDER

Has that Memorandum been sent to the Press?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I am not sure, but I will make inquiries.

Sir F. HALL

Was it not agreed that these allotment-holders should retain possession for two years after the signing of peace, and are they put in that position or are they not?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

Yes, that is the position. As regards land acquired by the Board under the Defence of the Realm Act and the Corn Production (Amendment) Act, the Board intend to retain possession of land taken for allotments for a period of two years from the end of the War, unless they are satisfied that the land is urgently required for building or other special purposes, or, secondly, where the compensation payable for the land would be in excess of the value of the produce of the land.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Is that to apply to all allotment-holders, whether they have neglected their land instead of cultivating it?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

No; there are powers to prevent the neglect of land. It will not apply in such cases.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

What steps will the Board take to see if the land is urgently wanted for building when it is taken from these men?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

We shall be guided by the requests put forward by local authorities or otherwise where there is an obvious need.

Lieut.-Colonel Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Will the Board guarantee allotments elsewhere if they have to be surrendered for this purpose?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

So far as possible, we should endeavour to get other land; but, of course, it may not be possible.

Mr. BILLING

Will compensation be paid where other land is not obtainable? There are many cases where—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must not make statements.

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