§ 59. Mr. Charles Whiteasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will reconsider the instructions being issued to farmers in the north-western part of Derbyshire to plough up further land for the purpose of growing more potatoes and permit this land to be used for milk production and cattle rearing for which the land is more suitable.
§ Mr. WhiteIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year's crops over a good many acres in this part of Derbyshire have not yet been lifted and that great waste of food and of effort has been the result?
Mr. HudsonHaving regard to the exceptional weather we experienced last year, the total loss is negligible.
§ 60. Mr. Charles Whiteasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the acreage of Chatsworth Park in Derbyshire; how much of the park has been ploughed since September, 1939; and the weight in tons of cereals, roots or other crops grown during this period.
Mr. HudsonI am quite satisfied with the use being made of Chatsworth Park and with the output of foodstuffs therefrom.
§ Mr. GranvilleAs the right hon. Gentleman controls the war agricultural executive committees, which give directions for this sort of thing, cannot he tell us the exact acreage which has been ploughed up?
Mr. HudsonYes, I can, but it would take a long time, and if my hon. Friend likes, I will circulate a supplementary statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Following is the supplementary statement:The acreage of Chatsworth Park is 1,127 acres. Of this area, 743 acres are wooded, flooded, or steep hillsides unsuitable for cultivation. Of the remainder, 136½ acres, including the family golf course of 44 acres which has remained arable, have been ploughed. The rest was ploughed and directly reseeded for the purpose of improving the grazing. The park land is in general unsuitable for growing corn crops. The number of cattle belonging to farmers which have been grazed has risen from 283 in 1938 to 715 in 1944. Requirements of the county war agricultural executive committee have been fully complied with by the estate.