HC Deb 14 March 1935 vol 299 cc552-3
55. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the restrictions on the operation of Sections 14 and 16 of the Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Act, 1931, are still in force?

Mr. ELLIOT

Yes, Sir. As, however, I indicated in the reply I gave to a question on the subject by the hon. Member on the 27th November, 1933, grants have been made from the development fund to the Society of Friends to supplement funds obtained by that society for the purpose of aiding the supply of seeds, fertilisers and implements to unemployed and partly employed persons cultivating allotments. The grant is being continued and, moreover, the commissioner for the special areas has intimated to the allotment authorities in those areas that he is prepared to make grants for the purpose of assisting them to provide more allotments.

Mr. WHITE

Is there any possibility of the general restriction being removed in the near future?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am afraid I could not give any pledge to that effect. I should like to see a satisfactory market situation before raising any such restriction.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the schemes referred to are schemes under which all the produce is consumed by the producers?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am not aware of that. I do not think that that could be considered a completely satisfactory method of land settlement.