§ 42. Mr. W. Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make a 1058 statement showing the extent to which the county committees have now undertaken their work of increasing food production?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithSince their formation immediately on the outbreak of war, county war agricultural executive committees have been completing their organisation, including staffing arrangements, and the setting up of sub-committees and district committees, in order to enable them to carry out the duties delegated to them. The executive committees have been advised as to the steps to be taken for increasing home food production, and as to the minimum addition to the tillage area to be secured by each committee by the ploughing up of grassland in their county. I have every hope that the greater part of this addition will be secured by the voluntary efforts of the farmers themselves without recourse to the exercise of compulsory powers by the committees. I am glad to be able to say that there is every indication that the committees are getting down to their task, which is one of assistance as well as direction to agriculturists, with great energy.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonWill my right hon. and gallant Friend do every-think he can to encourage allotments?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithAlready, circulars have been sent out with regard to that matter, and a campaign is to be launched to try at first to deal with allotments and private gardens.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are a million fewer allotments than two years ago?
§ Sir Joseph LambMay we have an assurance that the county committees will not be hampered by having to fill up too many forms, and that they will be allowed to get on with their work?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThat is what I am trying to do.
Mr. J. J. DavidsonDoes that apply only to England and Wales, or is there a special scheme for Scotland?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am informed that similar action has been taken in Scotland.