§ 76. Lieutenant-Colonel ROYDSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that three farms on the Norton Disney Estate, Lincolnshire, namely, Blundy's Farm, the Brill Farm, and Hill Holt Farm, have, since Lady Day, been tenantless and not cultivated; that cultivation orders made by the Kesteven Agricultural Executive Committee have been issued; that such Committee are unable to take possession 1444 of the farms for want of horses, tractors, and labour; and whether he will say what steps, under these circumstances, should be taken, and by whom, in the interest of food production?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Board are aware of the circumstances of this case. The land has been sold several times over in recent months, and the Kesteven Agricultural Executive Committee have now served cultivation orders on the latest purchasers. If the owners do not make satisfactory arrangements for the cultivation of the land, the Board will consider the question of taking possession themselves and letting the farms to suitable tenants.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel ROYDSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that all this trouble arises in connection with the purchase of these farms by land speculators?