HC Deb 15 February 1945 vol 408 c398
54. Mr. De Chair

asked the Minister of Agriculture what assistance the Government are now giving, or intend to give, to farmers in the re-seeding of grassland which has been ploughed up as part of the war-time policy of expanding the arable acreage.

Mr. Hudson

As the answer is somewhat technical and long I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

No Exchequer assistance is payable in respect of the re-seeding of grassland ploughed up during the war. Owners of agricultural land will, however, be entitled to lodge claims for compensation for the ploughing up of permanent pasture at the end of the war in accordance with the terms of a memorandum issued in December, 1939, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. Occupiers of agricultural land are absolved by Section 15 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1943, from any liability under their tenancy agreements, or otherwise, in respect of permanent pasture ploughed up under emergency powers; good returns have, in general, been received from the crops grown on such land; and tenants are entitled, on quitting their holdings, to compensation in respect of temporary pasture in accordance with the terms of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1923.