§ 47. Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take action in the case of a Buckinghamshire mansion, of which he has been informed, where a head gardener and 15 gardeners are employed; where no efforts to grow foodstuffs, except food for the house, are made, and flower beds are camouflaged with inter-sown lettuce; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this defiance of the national interests?
Mr. HudsonI have no information as to the facts beyond what have been brought to my notice by the hon. Member, but I will inquire into the matter.
§ Mr. LeachWill the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the fact that there are still people who can afford to keep 15 gardeners? Does he not think it rather discreditable and that the facts, as put forward in my Question, reflect very badly upon the Astors of Cliveden?
Mr. HudsonI would much rather await inquiry to see whether the facts brought to my notice by the hon. Member are correct before I express any opinion.
§ Mr. GranvilleWould the Minister make inquiries as to whether this Buckinghamshire mansion is now used as a private residence or as a military convalescent home?