HC Deb 25 March 1946 vol 421 cc21-2
49. Flight-Lieutenant Crawley

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the publication, "Living Casualties," compiled by the Farmers' Rights Association, a copy of which has been sent to him, in which is set out the grievances of farmers dispossessed by W.A.E.C.s; and whether he will publish the full facts of these cases in reply.

62. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will set up a special committee of inquiry, presided over by a British judge at which evidence can be taken on oath, to inquire and report to the House into the dispossession from their farms of gentlemen, particulars of which have been sent to him.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

I have considered this matter and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by adopting either of the courses suggested. Many of the cases referred to have already been specially investigated by my predecessor at the request of hon. Members, and in every such case the facts showed that dispossession was justified in the interests of maintaining maximum food production during the emergency. Before any farmers are dispossessed in future they will be afforded the right of appeal, if they so desire, to Dispossession Appeal Panels which have now been set up.

Flight-Lieutenant Crawley

Is the Minister aware that the publication in question has received wide circulation in my part of Buckinghamshire and that unless he publishes an answer to these cases he will make the work of the committees very much harder?

Mr. Williams

My right hon. Friend will appreciate that the dispossessing cases took place on the basis of evidence then available but no longer available, and that it would be impossible to publish a report on the lines indicated in the Question.

Sir W. Smithers

While recognising that we had to get food production from every source during the war, may I ask that the Minister should realise that the war is now over and that the dispossessed men have the right to a proper inquiry by an independent board into the allegations of nepotism and favouritism, which are numerous?

Mr. Williams

I do not accept the implication that there has been any nepotism. The committees acted only on the proof they had before them, when any farmer was dispossessed.

Sir W. Smithers

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.