§ 42. Sir Murdoch MacDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of applicants for allotments is not as great as might reasonably be expected; and whether he will take steps, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, to remedy this in view of the large number of unemployed still on the register?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)While there is an increase of from 60 to 70per cent. since the beginning of the war in the number of allotments on land provided by local authorities in addition to an increase in the number of allotments on private ground, it is desirable that a further increase should be secured. I have recently appointed a committee representative of all interests concerned to 22 encourage by all practicable means the production of food on allotments and private gardens. I have had the assistance of the Ministry of Labour's Exchanges in bringing the need for allotments to the notice of unemployed men.