§ 53. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in order to make effective the undertaking that before agricultural land is taken for military or other State purposes he shall be fully consulted, he will ask county councils to submit plans showing the poorest lands from the agricultural standpoint?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI have been asked to reply. The information at the disposal of my right hon. Friend's Department is sufficient for effective consultation with the Defence Departments and, having regard to the heavy expense which would be incurred in the preparation of plans by county councils, my right hon. Friend does not consider that the adoption of the procedure suggested by my hon. Friend would be warranted. As he is aware, the requirements of the Defence Departments are generally of a specialised nature and depend on a variety of circumstances.
§ Sir P. HurdHow is it possible to carry out the undertaking given by the Prime Minister unless the Ministry of Agriculture are fully informed of the poor areas in a county like Wiltshire which are available for military purposes?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI have answered the question on the Paper, and have pointed out that the county councils could not be expected to prepare plans for a survey without incurring special expense and trouble. It would take a great deal of time, and we cannot afford the time.
§ Sir P. HurdWill the Minister remember that the county council have this information, only they are not asked to give it to the Ministry?