§ 54. Captain Pooleasked the Minister of Agriculture on what authority are representatives of his Ministry visiting nurserymen and giving notice that they will destroy in seven days all growing flower-plants; and whether he will see that nurserymen are given some definite information as to what they may grow before such drastic action is taken?
Mr. HudsonThe Horticultural (Cropping) Amendment and Consolidation Order, 1942, imposes certain restrictions on the growing of flowers on agricultural land. Growers have been made fully aware of these restrictions and in case of doubt can obtain advice from their county war agricultural executive committees to whom I have issued instructions for their guidance in administering the Order. No action of the kind referred to in the Question has been taken by any committee so far as I am aware, but if the hon. and gallant Member will furnish me with particulars of any such cases I will have them investigated.
§ Captain PooleIs not the Minister aware that his county officials are giving conflicting instructions to these people, and will he consider the matter if I furnish 1388 him with a case in point? If it is found that flower plants can be grown in boxes between vegetable plants, such as tomatoes, has the Department any objection to this?