§ 42. Major BRAITHWAITEasked the Minister of Agriculture at what rate per annum is arable land going out of cultivation?
Mr. THOMSONThe average annual reduction in arable land in England and Wales during the five years 1921–1926 has been 214,000 acres, the reduction in the last of those years being 134,000 acres. I would direct the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to the Report on the Agricultural Output of England and Wales, 1925, in which the changes in the agricultural area in this country are discussed.
§ Major Sir GRANVILLE WHELERHow much of this land which has gone from arable land has been laid down to permanent pasture, which can hardly be described as going out of cultivation?