§ 59. Mr. PALINasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that numbers of allotment holders have been, and are being, evicted from their holdings; and what steps, if any, he is taking to urge upon local authorities the necessity of using their statutory powers to provide alternative land for dispossessed holders?
§ Sir H. BARNSTONMy right hon. Friend is aware that in urban areas a number of allotment holders have been, or are being, required to leave their plots owing principally to building developments. All cases brought to the notice of the Ministry are carefully investigated, and every opportunity is taken to urge local authorities to acquire land to meet the requirements of the disturbed plot-holders or any other suitable applicants in the area. The hon. Member will realise, however, that the provision of land for allotment purposes within a reasonable distance of the homes of applicants is becoming increasingly difficult in thickly-populated centres.