§ 64. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture how many farmers in England and Wales were under supervision, within the terms of the Agriculture Act, 1947, on 1st October; and how many were dispossessed from their farms during the previous 12 months on the grounds of bad husbandry.
§ Sir T. DugdaleOn 1st October, 1951, 1,584 farmers were under supervision for failure to comply with the rules of good husbandry. Orders to terminate the occupation or interest of 68 farmers on the grounds of bad husbandry became effective during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1951.
§ Mr. HurdIn view of the figures which my right hon. and gallant Friend has just given to the House, will he look into what has been happening to see if he can devise any better method of carrying out the intention of the Agricultural Act, 1947?
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonCan my right hon. and gallant Friend say, roughly, what acreage that represents?
§ Sir T. DugdaleNot without notice.
§ Mr. G. BrownAs the intention of the Agricultural Act was to raise food in the country, will the Minister, in answer to the supplementary asked by his hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd), say what he estimates is the increase of food we have had as a result of these powers?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI think that would be a very hypothetical figure if I attempted to give it to the House.
§ Mr. Bernard BraineIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that under Section 85 of the Act his predecessor dispossessed smallholders, not on grounds of bad husbandry, but to round off larger units of land already in his possession or in that of other farmers? Is he further aware that this confiscation has aroused great indignation, and will he undertake to review his powers under the Act in order to avoid the continuance of such injustice?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThat is an entirely different question.