§ 76. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state, for each administrative agricultural area, the number of acres of land that, during the last five years, have gone out of cultivation; and what steps he intends to take either to enforce the owners to cultivate or for the State to take it over?
Mr. Gimston (Treasurer of the Household)I have been asked to reply. While it would be possible to compile a detailed table showing the estimated amount of arable and grassland that has become rough grazings in each county, it is doubtful whether these figures by themselves would be of much value as a guide to the action which should be taken in individual cases. County War Agricultural Executive Committees have been given powers conferred on my right hon. Friend by the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, to issue directions with regard to the cultivation, use and management of agricultural land, and with his consent to take possession of land, if necessary, with a view to its cultivation, and these powers should be exercised by reference to all the local circumstances involved rather than by reference to a purely statistical analysis.
§ Mr. TinkerIf these committees do not take advantage of these powers can we get into touch with the Minister of Agriculture and draw his attention to the wastage of land?
§ Mr. GrimstonI think these powers have been used, but may I suggest to the hon. Member that if he has any misgivings on the matter he will communicate with the Minister of Agriculture?
§ Mr. John MorganHas the hon. Member any approximate figure of the acreage involved? Is it not a very substantial amount of land?
§ Mr. GrimstonThe taking possession of land has been authorised in 47 instances covering nearly 6,000 acres.
§ Mr. MorganBut the total acreage of land involved in this matter must be very considerable?