HC Deb 09 March 1944 vol 397 cc2191-2
56. Lieut.-Colonel Dower

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any statement to make regarding the decrease in production that has taken place in several cases in Cumberland when the war agricultural executive committee has taken over land from farmers whom they have evicted in order to farm themselves.

Mr. Hudson

I am not aware of any decrease in production having taken place. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars of any case he has in mind I will make inquiries.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that this matter is common knowledge in Cumberland among farmers, and will he look into this case, making the necessary inquiries in Cumberland, and submit the result in this House, when asked for it?

Mr. Hudson

It is certainly not common knowledge in Cumberland, because I said I was not aware that any decrease had taken place. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars of any cases he has in mind I will look into them.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

I said that it was common knowledge in Cumberland and not common knowledge in the Ministry.