52. Mr. Whiteasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied with the progress made to date in the provision of additional allotments; and whether it is still his wish that 500,000 fresh allotments should be cultivated this year?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithUntil the returns which I have asked local authorities to make by 22nd April have been tabulated, I should prefer not to give a definite reply as regards the progress of the wartime allotment campaign, although the information which has so far reached me is distinctly encouraging. It is certainly my wish that 500,000 additional allotments should, if possible, be cultivated this year, and I have recently urged the local authorities, whose active and energetic co-operation I greatly appreciate, to make a final effort before the season is too far advanced.
53. Mr. Whiteasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any estimate has been made of the amount of land which 1115 might be made available for allotments in gardens of unoccupied houses?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithNo, Sir. I know of no means whereby such an estimate could be arrived at.