§ 38. Mr. MARION PHILLIPSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is his intention, in view of the reductions proposed in unemployment benefit, to increase the assistance given to the National Allotments Society to enable them to help more effectively unemployed persons who may be able to mitigate the hardship due to these reductions by produce from allotments?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)I much regret that it will not be possible in respect of the 839 ensuing season to allocate funds for the provision of allotments or the assistance of allotment holders.
§ Dr. PHILLIPSIs it not the case that a grant of £80,000 was made last year and that it has not yet been exhausted; and, if that be so, will it not be used now?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt is quite true that moneys were voted by Parliament for the late season, but those moneys are allocated to that season and cannot be carried over to another year. In the White Paper which has been published, it is clear that no provision can be made for dealing with this matter.
§ Mr. B. RILEYIs it intended to discontinue the arrangement made by the late Minister for the assistance of allotment holders?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir, it is.
§ Mr. MacLARENWill the right hon. Gentleman consider that a special circumstance arises here which necessitates the giving of sonic aid to the many thousands of men who, now that the Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Bill has been dropped, have no hope of getting on to allotments this year?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt is quite clear that if money could be used for this purpose a Supplementary Estimate would be required, and in the national circumstances it is quite evident that that is not possible.