HC Deb 02 July 1919 vol 117 cc967-8
73. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will say what action has been taken by the Leyton Urban District Council and other local authorities in the area of Wanstead Flats in reference to the decision of the Epping Forest Commissioners to terminate the tenancies of the allotments at the Flats at the end of this year; whether the Epping Forest Commissioners still decline to receive a deputation on the subject from the allotment-holders and the local authorities in the area; and whether, seeing that the allotments occupy an area of only 30 acres out of a total acreage of 1,500 and there is ample ground for other forms of recreation, he will take steps to secure that the implied promise of security of tenure for two years from the end of the War is carried out in regard to the allotments in question?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)

The Leyton Urban Dis trict Council resolved on the 27th May last "that the council deem it inexpedient in the national interest to disturb or interfere with the present usage of the land in question." No action has been taken by other local authorities in the area of Wanstead Flats so far as the Board are aware. The Board understand that the Epping Forest Commissioners declined last month to receive a deputation on this matter. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answers I have already given on this subject.

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

May I ask whether he is aware that a large area of this land was formerly covered with hard core and rubble, that a considerable portion of it was under water, and that it was quite unfit for any other purpose, and is now providing useful recreation for 940 members of the community, and will he bring pressure to bear on the Epping Forest Commissioners?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I have no control over the Epping Forest Commissioners, but we will certainly make representations; in fact, we have already done so.

Mr. NEWBOULD

Is he aware that there is great public indignation in the district, not only at the attitude of the Epping Forest Commissioners, but at the attitude of the Board of Agriculture?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I am not aware of that.

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

Is he aware that over £l,000 have been spent by the people of this district, and that this is no mean sum?