HC Deb 03 November 1958 vol 594 cc585-6
12. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the area occupied by allotments and the importance of allotments to agricultural production.

Mr. John Hare

On 30th September, 1957, 952,094 plots covering 96,394 acres were held as allotments. No statistics of output are kept, but in relation to acreage the volume of production is clearly considerable.

Mr. Willey

As the right hon. Gentleman clearly recognises the importance of allotments, will he pay particular attention to the proposal now being considered by the Department to affect the statutory allotment committees? Will the Minister assure the House that he will do his best to safeguard the interests of these committees?

Mr. Hare

I always pay great attention to representations made to my Department.