§ 58. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give an estimate of the acreage of land not being cultivated but which is capable of cultivation; and whether he proposes to take effective measures so that all available land should be used for the production of foodstuffs?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am not in a position to give a precise estimate of the area of land which is not being cultivated but is capable of cultivation. County war agricultural committees have, however, been set up in every county and given wide powers for the express purpose of ensuring the maximum possible production of foodstuffs from the land. Powers have also been given to urban local authorities to take possession of uncultivated land in or adjacent to their areas for the purpose of providing war-time allotments.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhat is the position with regard to the authorities to whom the hon. Genteman referred? Why do they take no action, and what does the Ministry of Agriculture do in such cases?
§ Sir W. WomersleyIt takes the action of pressing people to do it.
§ Mr. ShinwellHow can you put pressure on these county committees to take action? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that all over the country there is idle land capable of cultivation and not being used?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI am aware that it will not be long before that idle land is used.