HC Deb 20 April 1950 vol 474 cc315-6
49. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will furnish details of the land-use and agricultural production during 1947–49 inclusive, derived from the area of 201.535 acres, north and south of the Abberley/Tenbury main road,.in the rural district of Martley, in the county of Worcestershire, and referred to on site plans, "The Elms, M.O.F.P.-M/9/551/1," and "Crundle, M.O.F.P.-M/9/550/1 "; and what plans the Worcestershire Agricultural Executive Committee have for food production from this area of 201.535 acres in the years 1950, 1951 and 1952.

Mr. T. Williams

This area includes parts of six holdings and comprises some 66 acres of permanent pasture, 115 acres of arable and 20-i acres of woodland roads and waste. About 40 acres of the pasture forms part of a stud farm. I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing for the three years 1947 to 1949 the estimated total produce sold off the land or transferred to other parts of the holdings.

In answer to the second part of the Question, agricultural executive committees do not draw up cropping programmes for individual farms. but so far as can be foreseen at present there is no reason to anticipate that the 1951 and 1952 production plans of the occupiers of this land will show any significant changes from the current pattern.

Mr. Nabarro

Is the Minister aware that the areas referred to are intensively cultivated farmlands of exceptional fertility, and that the Ministry of Fuel and Power proposes shortly to commence opencast coalmining activities which will destroy the natural water supplies and drainage of the area and render the land unfit for agricultural production for all foreseeable time? What measures does he propose to take to protect farming interests in the locality?

Mr. Williams

Although a proposal has been made from the Ministry of Fuel and Power, no clearance for boring purposes has yet been given

Mr. De la Bére

Why should the people of Worcestershire be treated in this manner? I raise my voice in protest.

Following is the statement:

Roots 600 tons; Wheat, 59 tons; Other Cereals, 55 tons; Potatoes, 44 tons; Milk, 14,200 gallons; Attested and other stock, 124; Lambs, 275; Poultry, 970.