§ 47. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of agricultural land are in the possession of the Service Departments; and how many acres are now under the plough or are to be ploughed for spring sowing.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe total area of land in England and Wales in possession of the Service Departments on 31st March was 693,000 acres. Figures are not available to show the acreage that has been ploughed or will be ploughed for spring sowing, but the hon. Member will appreciate that much of the area is unsuitable for cultivation
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the Minister absolutely satisfied that the procedure to be adopted by farmers in farming this land is absolutely tied up and uniform as between the three Services? Is he not aware that some of the farmers have great difficulty in obtaining permission to do anything?
§ Mr. WilliamsI can assure the hon. and gallant Member that there is the closest liaison between my Department and the three Service Departments, who are very anxious to release as much land as they can for food production.