§ 69. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will use his powers of direction to prevent arable land from tumbling down to grass and thus maintain as large a tillage-acreage as possible.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAs indicated in my recent statement on agricultural policy, for the time being while the serious world food shortage remains, measures, including the issue of directions, will be taken to control, when necessary, the laying down of grass, in order to meet the need for maintaining a large tillage acreage.
Mr. McKieIs the Minister aware that it is more important to ensure that no undue strain is placed upon farmers in the way of putting too large an acreage under the plough?
§ Mr. WilliamsI think the hon. Member can take it for granted that we shall exercise discretion in this matter.