HC Deb 11 November 1954 vol 532 cc1373-4
2. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made by the Welsh Agricultural Land Sub-Commission with the farm survey in Mid-Wales; and when a report may be expected.

Mr. Amory

I understand that the Welsh Agricultural Land Sub-Commission is making progress with its investigations and hopes to submit a report to me within about 12 months.

Mr. Watkins

Will the Minister ask the Sub-Commission to publish a report far sooner than that, in view of the assurance given by the Minister for Welsh Affairs in the last Welsh debate on rural depopulation? Secondly, will the recom- mendations be in the form of a White Paper?

Mr. Amory

In reply to the first part of the question, the sooner the better from my point of view. But a detailed investigation is being carried out over an area of 300,000 acres, and I am sure that the Sub-Commission will not lose any time in completing its business. In reply to the second part of the question, I must wait and see what the recommendations are.