§ 88. Mr. DUNCANasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that 30 agricultural workers are now without regular employment who were previously employed on 1,400 acres of land that has gone out of cultivation in the parishes of Barton Stacey and Wonston, in Hampshire; and whether he will take steps to introduce a Bill that will restore the powers of agricultural committees to enforce good husbandry and thus help to protect both workmen and farmers from what is a danger to both?
§ Major BARNSTONI have been asked to reply. There is no doubt that the non-cultivation of the land in question has had the effect described. The Government are not prepared, however, to introduce legislation of the nature suggested.
§ 89. Mr. DUNCANasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that 1,400 acres of land in the parishes of Barton Stacey and Wonston, in Hampshire, have during the past two years gone out of cultivation; that last year his Department allowed the Hampshire County Council to cut the weeds on this land at a cost of £214 6s.; that the money so spent has not yet been paid by this landowner; that the weeds have again become a real danger to the surrounding farms; and will he state what action he proposes to take in this matter?
§ Major BARNSTONI have been asked to reply. The facts are as stated. The matter is in the hands of the county agricultural committee, by whom notices are being served on the occupier of the land requiring him to destroy the weeds. The committee are also taking steps to recover the money spent last year.