HC Deb 20 May 1930 vol 239 cc210-1
43. Mr. W. B. TAYLOR

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the question of acquiring uncultivated or water-slain land in relation to unemployment has been considered with a view to providing work and increasing the production of home-grown food?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)

The Government have given careful consideration to proposals for the reclamation of uncultivated land such as heathland and marshland, from the point of view both of employment and of increased production, and is satisfied that the objects likely to be achieved would not justify the cost of the necessary works in this class of land.

Mr. TAYLOR

Has the right hon. Gentleman bad any consultation with the Lord Privy Seal from the unemployment point of view with regard to this question?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes, but our consultation in this particular matter related rather to schemes that would be made possible by the Land Drainage Bill.