§ 49. Mr. Loftus (for Mr. Craven-Ellis)asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet been advised by the local agricultural war committees throughout the country of the estimate of derelict land 821 in their respective areas; what is the total area of such land; and have any schemes been prepared to cultivate same with a view to increasing food production?
Mr. HudsonIt is not possible to form any reliable estimate of the extent of derelict land in England and Wales. War Agricultural Executive Committees with my consent have taken possession of a considerable area of derelict land which is suitable to bring under cultivation for a crop in 1941, and continuous attention is being given to the taking over of further areas.