§ 26. Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the subsidy of £2 per acre which it is proposed to give in respect of the breaking up of grass land will apply to such land so made available for allotments and allotment gardens?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithAs I have already announced, the primary object of the grants for ploughing up grass land is to make more land immediately available, if the need arises, for the production of arable crops on existing agricultural holdings. In the alternative event, it is intended that the land should be re-seeded with a view to securing improved pasture. The use of such land for allotments and allotment gardens necessitating as it would the severance of the land from the existing holdings would not, therefore, generally be in accord with the purposes for which the grants are offered. I would also remind the hon. Member that it is not proposed to pay grants in respect of areas of less than two acres.
§ Mr. MorganAre we to understand that the grant in respect of poor grass land broken up is only to be given in the case of lands that are put back again to grass? 20 If that is not the case, on what grounds would allotment holders, or any authority cultivating it, be denied the right, if their area exceeded two acres?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithIt is clear that if the other conditions were fulfilled the conversion of the grass land into allotments would not render the land ineligible for grant.
§ Mr. MorganTherefore such an authority could apply for a grant if they broke up such land?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithAnd if they fulfilled the other conditions.