HC Deb 18 March 1919 vol 113 cc1915-6
92. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been directed to the protest of 246 allotment-holders at Hackney Downs against the decision of the London County Council that they must give up their allotments in January next; whether he is aware that such allotment-holders have incurred considerable expenses, including the laying on of a water supply; that only 8 acres out of 45 are under cultivation; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter, with a view to recouping the allotment-holders such expenses and obtaining suitable ground for them elsewhere?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Hackney Downs is an open space under the control of the London County Council, and the allotments there must be given up at the end of this year. With regard to compensation, we shall be liable to the allotment- holders for their crops (if any) on the determination of the tenancy; but as to the water supply, I cannot express an opinion without having particulars of the terms of the agreement between the allotment-holders and the London County Council.

Sir K. WOOD

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I have already said in connection with land settlement that we hope there will be considerable powers of dealing with the question.