§ 52. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Agriculture what action he takes to keep agricultural land available for food production; and how far his Department is consulted or informed in cases where an official inquiry is held into proposals to take agricultural land for other purposes.
§ Mr. NugentMy Department is consulted about all proposals to take agricultural land out of food production for other purposes, including those involving an official inquiry. All such proposals are carefully investigated by my Department, and clearance is given only where the loss to agriculture would not be serious, or where, if good agricultural land is concerned, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that there is no reasonable alternative for the purpose in view.
§ Mr. RentonWhen there is a conflict between the Ministry of Agriculture and another Department in a case where food production would suffer, which Department has the last word?
§ Mr. PeytonWill my hon. Friend have a careful look at some of the county development plans and see whether they contain serious threats to agricultural land?
§ Mr. NugentMy Department, of course, examines all county development plans.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportCan my hon. Friend assure the House that when other land is available for building purposes, good agricultural land will not be taken away?
§ Mr. NugentWhere the other land is suitable for building purposes, I can certainly give that assurance.