§ 53. Mr. T. Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the present situation, he proposes to take any further steps to extend the provision of war-time allotments in urban areas?
Mr. HudsonYes, Sir. I have this week addressed a further letter to 1340 councils of boroughs and urban districts in England and Wales informing them that the number of allotments must be substantially increased and that every piece of suitable land that is available for the purpose must, if possible, be brought into cultivation for allotments. I have impressed upon local authorities that they must provide the driving power in their respective areas, first to stimulate the demand for allotments and, secondly, to satisfy it. I have also urged them to create a body of local opinion which will ensure that in private gardens vegetables are substituted for flowers. I am also providing financial assistance up to £2 an acre where local authorities use for temporary war allotments laid acquired by them for other purposes.
§ Mr. SmithIn the case where an urban district has insufficient land for allotments and is adjacent to a rural district with the land, will co-operation between the two councils take place for this purpose?
§ Mr. MaxtonIn the London area many allotment owners who have been growing crops are unable to obtain water. Can the Minister do anything to make it possible for them to obtain a supply?
Mr. HudsonOne or two cases have been brought to my notice, and I know it is a very real difficulty.