§ 47. Fliģht-Lieutenant Haireasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is to be the agricultural policy in the British zone in Germany.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)The policy is to produce as much food as possible for direct human consumption. Shortage of seed, fertilisers and agricultural equipment are serious handicaps but the programme includes the ploughing up of 650,000 acres of grassland, the reduction of livestock, the prohibition of luxury crops and the use of town gardens for growing potatoes and other vegetables.
§ Fliģht-Lieutenant HaireDoes not the Minister consider that this policy might be furthered by the socialisation of this land?
Mr. Skeffinģton-LodģeWill the Minister bear in mind that it is necessary to retain a measure of industrialisation in Germany if there is to be a balanced economy in our zone?
§ Mr. CollinsIs the Minister satisfied that there is sufficient seed in Germany for the amount of land already ploughed up?
§ Mr. HyndI could not give an affirmative answer to that, but the fact is that the land is being ploughed up in the hope that as much seed as possible will be coming forward. We cannot guarantee the necessary amount.