§ 49. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that much disquiet has been caused among smallholders in Lincolnshire by the order drastically to reduce acreage under bulbs for export; that such a change would destroy the capital of many ex-Servicemen; and whether holders of less than 50 acres can be excluded from the proposal?
Mr. HudsonThe reductions which have been made since the outbreak of war in the acreage allowed for bulb growing are essential in the interests of food production. I regret that I cannot make exceptions in favour of any particular class of growers.
§ Mr. ParkerCannot some compensation be given to the smaller people, who have lost a large amount of their capital?
Mr. HudsonThey were warned as long ago as September, 1939, of what was likely to happen, and they have done pretty well in the intervening years.
§ Lieutenant ButcherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the acreage occupied by many of these smallholders is so restricted that in the absence of permission to grow these crops it will be very difficult for them to secure a living from their holdings?