HC Deb 22 October 1945 vol 414 cc1678-9
65. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Agriculture how long he proposes to continue the exercise of war emergency powers, either directly or through the agency of war agricultural executive committees; and whether he will now extend to individual farmers, greater freedom to manage their own businesses.

Mr. T. Williams

The domestic and world food situation requires the continuation for the time being of war emergency powers. Subject to this, it is my intention to grant as great a measure of freedom of cropping to the individual farmer as is consistent with the national requirements and the overriding national interest in the proper cultivation of the land.