§ 39. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the complaint of allotment holders that they have no security of tenure on their plots; and whether he can do anything to help to provide that security?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware of complaints of lack of security by tenants of allotments on land which is rented for that purpose, more especially in areas that are in course of development. The practical remedy is for the local authority to purchase land for permanent allotments where they can do so on favourable terms. This has already been done in the case of 36 per cent. of the total area of allotments provided by urban allotment authorities in England and Wales, and is a policy that is encouraged by the Ministry.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the Minister give a little more encouragement to the remainder of these local authorities for the extension of this very desirable form of municipal Socialism?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAny form of land-owning is no doubt desirable, and I would encourage it.
§ Mr. MICHAEL BEAUMONTIs the Minister aware that in many parts of the country it is impossible to find occupiers for allotments at any price?
§ Sir FRANCIS ACLANDWhen the Minister says that the policy of ownership by local authorities is encouraged by the Ministry, does he refer to anything the Department are doing in the way of practical encouragement under the Land (Utilisation) Act, which enables them to help financially in the purchase of land?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThirty-six per cent. of the allotment land has been taken up, and that is very good.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman help by providing the assistance of Government valuers in acquiring land at a reasonable price instead of at the enormous figures that are asked at the present time?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid that the right hon. Gentleman has another subject in mind.