§ 46. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state what acreage of grassland was scheduled to be ploughed up in Gloucestershire under the £2-an-acre scheme; and how many acres have actually been ploughed?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)For the reasons I gave in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) yesterday, I do not think that it would be in the interests of the food production campaign to publish the information asked for at this stage, but I can assure the hon. Member that very satisfactory progress indeed has been made in Gloucestershire.
§ Mr. W. RobertsMay I ask the Minister whether he is aware that this information is obtainable in the local Press of the counties concerned?
§ 53. Colonel Burtonasked the Minister of Agriculture at what date tractors will be available for use in the Rawreth area of Essex?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithSo far as I am aware agricultural tractors available in the Rawreth area of Essex are sufficient to meet the needs of the district and no report of any deficiency has been brought to my notice.
§ Colonel BurtonIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that a large area is waiting to be ploughed up and that they are waiting for tractors but cannot get them?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithPerhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me some particulars.