HC Deb 24 June 1943 vol 390 cc1307-8
50. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make a statement regarding the policy and method adopted by the liaison officers appointed to ensure close co-ordination and co-operation with the county war agricultural committees throughout the country; and whether it forms part of their duty to ensure adequate utilisation of land which is occupied by the golf courses?

Mr. Hudson

My liaison officers are in constant touch with myself, and with county war agricultural executive committees, in order to ensure that the various aspects of the Government's policy in regard to increased food production are understood and acted upon by committees.

Mr. De la Bère

Arising out of that rather vague reply, is not the real truth far simpler, that the whole matter has been grossly neglected?

51. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the information contained in a recent survey on food production published by the Ministry of Agriculture that the total cultivated area of land had declined during the first three years of the war by 2 per cent., he can now give an assurance that he will take immediate steps to offset this loss by a greater utilisation for cultivation of the land occupied by the golf courses throughout the country?

Mr. Hudson

My agents the county war agricultural executive committees are well aware of the desirability for utilising for food production, to the maximum possible extent, land forming part of golf courses throughout the country. The resources of the country in regard to labour, machinery and fertilisers are not, however, unlimited, and having regard to the nature of the soil of a number of golf courses, ploughing up for arable cultivation is not always the best and most economical manner of dealing with such land. In such cases all possible arrangements are made for grazing and hay and silage making, and the circulation of my hon. Friend's Question and my answer to committees will serve to ensure effective continuation of the existing policy.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are 550 miles of unproductive and futile fairways—perhaps more and not less—and will he do something about the matter? Why is it allowed to go on year after year? Four years have gone by and nothing has been done. Can we have an inquiry into the scandal? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.