§ 44 and 51. Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he has given, or will give, consideration to the need for the organising of the maximum production on allotments, and has consideration been given to the proposals of the National Allotment Society, and in particular to the need of co-operative ownership by constituted allotment associations, and the making of loans; does he intend to amend existing legislation with a view of dealing with these and other urgent problems of the allotment holders; and will he make a statement on his policy;
(2) Whether he has now given consideration to the resolutions passed at the 1937 conference of the National Allotments Society, expressing alarm at the 666 fact that land acquired for permanent allotments is being taken for other purposes and demanding that the Government should take immediate steps to give security to allotment holders and, especially in large industrial areas, to provide allotments at fair rents and within reasonable access for the population; and what action he proposes to take in regard thereto?
§ 52. Mr. Lyonsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any steps are being taken to obtain security of tenure for the holders of allotments utilised for the production of foodstuffs?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)I am in sympathy with the desire of the National Allotments Society to extend and consolidate the allotments movement and to give greater security of tenure to allotment holders. The society's proposals for legislation on the subject have been under consideration. They raise a number of difficult points, and I am afraid that the already heavy programme of Parliamentary business would in any case preclude the passage of a Bill in the present Session.
§ Mr. SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman consider using the regulations which he has already in force for the purposes outlined in the question.
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir, I will consider using the regulations which now exist. The hon. Member is aware that the proposal to which he referred would involve legislation, and I think it would not be fair to hold out hope of legislation this Session.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWhile the right hon. Gentleman is considering his legislation, will he circularise all local authorities inviting them to provide security of tenure for their allotment holders?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will consider that.