§ 57. Mr. L. SMITH (for Mr. PIKE)asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Sheffield and District Allotment Society, representing over 60 separate allotment societies in Sheffield, protest against the continued practice of 1155 the local authorities in confiscating allotment lands for housing estates and road-making; that, in spite of the issue last year of notices to the effect that the allotment lease of the Shirecliffe Lane allotments had been extended for a further 14 years, the allottees have now received notice to quit; and, in view of the amount of money and work which they have put into their allotments, will he urge upon the local authority of Sheffield the necessity for preserving and stimulating the allotments movement?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend is aware of this protest, and is informed that the allotment holders have not received notice to quit. The city council have considered it necessary to acquire the land for the purposes of a new street and have made a Compulsory Purchase Order with this object, and the notices served are the statutory notices required in connection with the Order. This Order will not come into force unless confirmed by the Minister of Transport, and an inquiry will be held before decision is given. My right hon. Friend is also informed that, if the land is taken for street purposes, ample time will be afforded for arrangements to transfer allotment holders to other land at a time of least inconvenience to them. My right hon. Friend is assured that there has been a minimum of interference with allotment lands by the city council.