HC Deb 22 January 1942 vol 377 cc418-9
55. Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state his policy in connection with the planting of more fruit trees with a view to allowing ships to be used to carry other things?

Mr. Hudson

Newly planted fruit trees take several years to develop crops of any size, Because of this and the need for using land to produce essential food within the next few years, the Ministry made an Order (The Horticultural (Cropping) Amendment and Consolidation Order, 1940, dated 20th November, 1940) which prohibited the future planting of fruit trees except with the written consent of the war agricultural executive committee.