§ 65. Mr. JOHN DAVISONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that 7,500 allotment holders are threatened by the London County Council and several hundred by His Majesty's Office of Works with dispossession at the end of this year; whether, in view of the constant appeals for increased production, any action is being taken for these allotments to be retained until at least the food supply becomes normal; whether any steps are being taken to furnish alternative allotments; and whether he will consider the possibility of the setting up of an independent inquiry to adjudicate on this matter, as between these two bodies and the allotment holders, with a view to extended tenure being granted?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe question of the continued use of land in the London parks and open spaces for the provision of allotments was fully discussed in this House on the 18th December last, when I explained the attitude of the Ministry towards the decisions which had been come to by His Majesty's Office of Works and the London County Council. I understand that the decisions referred to have not been modified in any way since the date mentioned, and I have nothing to add to the statements I made on that occasion, a copy of which I will send to the hon. Member. With regard to the provision of alternative land, I am informed that the London County Council ask each plot-holder on whom a notice to quit is served whether he desires to be provided with an allotment elsewhere, and that every step is being taken to 29 satisfy those who signify their desire for alternative land. I regret I am unable to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. DAVISONIs the land held by these allotment-holders required for any other purpose?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThis land belongs to the London County Council and the Office of Works, and it is available for the use of the general public as open spaces for recreation and other such purposes.