§ 50. Earl Wintertonasked the Minister of Agriculture what complaints he has received from branches of the National Farmers' Union and from individuals concerning the amount of wire left by the military authorities on various agricultural land in Great Britain and Wales; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
§ The Minister of Aģriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)Approximately 20 such. complaints have been received from various sources in England and Wales, including the National Farmers' Union. The responsibility for the removal of barbed wire and other defence works on private land, where necessary in the public interest, rests with the Ministry of Works, who are proceeding as fast as labour and equipment permit. My Department has the responsibility of deciding the priority for the removal of defence works that interfere with food production.
§ Earl WintertonWill the right hon. Gentleman give consideration at least to one of the complaints sent by me, containing 80 cases of the most serious damage to agricultural land? Does not the right hon. Gentleman have some responsibility in the matter, and will he obtain a reply for me concerning those complaints which were sent on behalf of the West Sussex County Council?
§ Mr. WilliamsI do not see where my responsibility comes in. I can state with definiteness that the war agricultural executives committees are at present classifying the various areas where barbed wire exists, and once their report is available to the Ministry of Works the latter body may give very special attention to clearing those areas.
§ Mr. Wilson HarrisWhy cannot the military authorities render a hand?