§ 38. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, when land is purchased for a new road with dual carriageways, one of which will not be constructed for some years, he will arrange as far as possible for the unused land to continue under cultivation.
§ Mr. MolsonYes, Sir, whenever practicable.
§ Mr. HaymanWill the Minister also bear in mind that there are vast quantities of land lying unproductive throughout the country because of a lack of foresight in planning in the past; and in view of the importance of using every possible bit of agricultural land, will he do all he can, in conjunction with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to see that this sort of thing does not happen again?
§ Mr. MolsonMy information does not entirely coincide with that of the hon. Gentleman, but I will gladly examine any case which he cares to bring forward. The chief difficulty arising about making use of any land acquired is an engineering one. When a bridge or something of that kind has to be constructed, it is often necessary that embankments and cuttings be made to the full width when the first part of the work is undertaken.