HC Deb 15 December 1947 vol 445 cc1460-1
60. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Agriculture why cultivation on land in the Stanford Battle Training Area was stopped for a while, in view of the urgent need to crop as much land as possible for 1948; and whether he is satisfied that a proper liaison exists between his Department, the War Office and the farmers concerned.

Mr. T. Williams

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to the recent R.A.F. exercise in the Stanford Battle training area. I am glad to be able to assure him that, as a result of liaison between the local R.A.F. Station Commander and the County Agricultural Executive Committee, no stoppage of cultivation was occasioned by the exercise. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

Mr. Dye

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was not only a stoppage but that great inconvenience was caused to farmers who were preparing the land for potatoes?

Mr. Williams

I understand that there was no stoppage.