§ 46. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether any action has yet been taken by His Majesty's Government to stimulate the demand and supply of suburban land for use by the unemployed; how many new allotments have been provided in April and May, respectively; and, if nothing has been done to meet the unemployed difficulty, will he urge the Ministry of Agriculture to take appropriate steps at once?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave him on the 14th April last, with regard to the compulsory powers of local authorities. The Ministry of Agriculture has no information as to the number of new allotments provided in April and May, as monthly returns are not furnished by local authorities. With regard to the last part of the question, the Government do not consider that the provision of land for allotments can be regarded as an effective means of dealing with unemployment.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in his answer to me in April last the Prime Minister said that he would consult with the Ministry of Agriculture with a view to stimulating the demand for allotments?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has consulted with the Ministry of Agriculture, and the answer that I have given is the result.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that only last week, I believe, notification was sent by the Ministry of Agriculture that allotments taken up under the Defence of the Realm Act would now have to be surrendered, and the land restored to the owners?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir. I am aware of that, but it does not seem to me to have any particular bearing on the prevention of unemployment.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes it not put an end to allotments, and thereby increase unemployment?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir, I do not think these allotment holders were engaged solely in the cultivation of their allotments.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODBut if they were engaged on them, is it not better that they should continue to be so engaged?