§ 8 Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Agriculture why Mr. Sidney Morris, of Mickleham Green Farm, Sutton, Saint Helens, was dispossessed; and the present condition of the ground now under the agricultural executive committee.
§ Sir T. DugdaleMr. Morris occupied only part of Mickleham Green Farm, and his interest in the land was terminated because his standard of farming was too low and did not show satisfactory improvement after two years of supervision. The decision to terminate his interest in the land was upheld by the Agricultural Land Tribunal. The Lancashire Agricultural Executive Committee have let the land to a neighbouring farmer who has ploughed it and is now cultivating it in preparation for a potato crop.
§ Sir W. SmithersCan my right hon. Friend say whether or not it is true that the present condition of the farm is much worse than when Mr. Morris vacated it?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI think that is. quite incorrect. The seven acres of land in question were in bad condition last October when that land was taken over. The present occupier did not attempt at that time to clear and cultivate it, as he probably thought it would do more harm than good. It has now been ploughed, and he is likely to sow potatoes in a few days, after dressing the ground with fertiliser.
Mr. T. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has the united support of all Members on these benches in dispossessing those farmers not doing their duty by their farms?