HC Deb 07 July 1942 vol 381 cc627-8
25. Brigadier-General Clifton Brown

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will confidentially let war agricultural committees know now of any agricultural land likely to be wanted for military purposes in 1943, so that waste of labour and seed com can be avoided, anyhow, until the spring sowings in 1943?

Sir J. Grigg

Yes, Sir. Wherever possible this is done, but my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that the Army's need of land, whether for operations, accommodation, storage or training, is affected by factors which cannot always be foreseen.

Brigadier-General Brown

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him to realise that, though the fog of war may make it difficult for early decisions, sowing for the autumn of 1942 can usually be postponed till the spring of 1943? Much waste could have been avoided this year on some autumn sowing done last year if that had been done.

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