HC Deb 10 March 1947 vol 434 cc950-1
50. Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is satisfied that he has sufficient agricultural labour in reserve to get in the 1947 harvest on the Romney Marsh; and whether he has adequate accommodation for this labour in the proximity of the marsh.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

The Kent War Agricultural Executive Committee will do all they can to ensure that sufficient workers are available to deal with the 1947 harvest in the Romney Marsh area, and the necessary accommodation in the vicinity is being arranged.

Mr. Smith

Will the Minister give some practical assurance that there will be accommodation available in the area for the many extra workers required?

Mr. Williams

Yes, Sir. The plans for labour to serve in the Romney Marsh include prisoners of war from the Lydd Hostel and volunteers from a volunteer agricultural camp at Appledore, and extra labour can, if necessary, be supplied from a further camp at Tenterden, and from a Committee hostel near Tenterden.

51. Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is his intention to continue cereal and horticultural cropping in the Romney Marsh for years to come; and if he will state, approximately, what proportion of the marsh will be devoted to crops and what proportion to sheep and cattle raising.

Mr. T. Williams

Unless emergency conditions of the kind contemplated in Clause 92 of the Agriculture Bill arise, it is not the intention of the Government to seek the authority of Parliament for the general control of cropping for the harvest of 1948 and subsequent years. After this year's harvest, therefore, efficient farmers in the Romney Marsh, as elsewhere, will be free to adopt whatever system of cropping they think best. I understand, however, that in the light of modern knowledge a large part of the Marsh is considered to be quite suitable for the growing of arable and horticultural crops.

Mr. Smith

Would the right hon. Gentleman indicate what will be done to bring any allegedly inefficient farmers up to standard?

Mr. Williams

Should there be any inefficient farmers in the Romney Marsh area or elsewhere I shall expect the agricultural executive committee to deal with them.