§ 31. Mr. T. SMITHasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the sale of a farm in Kent where special attention is directed to the fact that the occupier has the right under the Hops Marketing Scheme to grow hops on 25 acres; whether any warning has been issued pointing out that the present scheme is only temporary; and whether he has any means of keeping a record of such sales of land where monopoly powers are granted under the various marketing schemes?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)I have seen a Press announcement in which it is stated that a 1925 certain farm, to be offered for sale to-day, is registered under the Hops Marketing Scheme to grow 25 acres of hops. I would point out that the Hops Marketing Scheme places no limitation on the area which may be planted to hops. As the hon. Member has pointed out, the quota provisions relating to hops tendered for sale by registered producers, which were recently added to the scheme by an amendment, are operative for a 'limited period only, that is until 31st July, 1939. The Hops Marketing Board are taking steps to bring the amendments to the notice of every registered producer. As regards the last part of the question, the answer is in the negative.