HC Deb 20 November 1941 vol 376 c463
60. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Agriculture the position with regard to the drainage of flooded gardens at a place of which he has been informed; and what steps are being taken by the county war agriculture committee to see that the position is remedied?

Mr. Hudson

The county war agricultural executive committee concerned have arranged to carry out, on behalf of the owner, the work required to remedy the position, as soon as the necessary labour is available.

Mr. Mander

Is the Minister aware that it is now more than two years since the attention of the authorities was brought to this matter, and that my constituency is getting very exasperated about it? Cannot the Minister do something to see that the work is really carried through?

Mr. Hudson

So far as I am concerned, it is to see that the existing supply of labour is utilised to the best advantage for farming. I must deal with the urgent farm work first, and as soon as any additional labour is available, I will attend to the matter in the Question.

Mr. Mander

Is it not a fact that these are gardens on which food can be grown and that it is just as important to grow food there as on any other land?

Mr. Hudson

That is a matter for my discretion