§ 56. Sir John Graham Kerrasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the contemplated seizure of valuable agricultural land in the parish of Barley for the erection of council houses, although other sites of less agricultural value are available; and if he will take steps to prevent inroads upon the agricultural resources of the country.
Mr. HudsonMy Department was consulted about the proposal of the Hitchin rural district council to erect houses on a site of about 3½ acres at Barley. After 2222 consideration, including consultation with the county war agricultural executive committee, the site was approved, no equally suitable alternative being discovered. In regard to the second half of the Question, housing proposals by local authorities are examined by my rural land utilisation officers, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that the agricultural interest is taken into account before sites are approved.