HC Deb 18 April 1940 vol 359 cc1113-4
49. Mr. Wilfrid Roberts

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he will be prepared to give the acreage of grassland ploughed out in each county, and the acreage allotted to that county?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I propose to obtain final estimates on 15th May as to the acreage of grassland ploughed out in each county and will then be prepared to publish figures for individual counties.

Mr. Davidson

Will the figures with regard to Scotland be issued by the Scottish section?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

That is another question.

Mr. Roberts

What objection can there be to publishing the names of the counties which have exceeded their quota before the end of April?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I would sooner give a full and an exact account of all when the campaign is finished.

55. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give an assurance that it will be his policy to ensure for next season that an additional 1,000,000 acres of land in this country shall be brought in under the plough?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I am not in a position to forecast the details of the home food production campaign for 1940–41.

Mr. De la Bère

May I know what the programme for 1941 is to be, and whether it is from Bedford Square or Westminster that we are to have direction?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

From this House.

Mr. De la Bère

That is a very satisfactory answer, and I welcome it.