§ 35. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the references to agriculture in paragraphs 4.17 to 4.19 and figures 16 and 35 in the Government report, "Strategic Plan for the South East", published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StodartThis report has been published to allow an opportunity for consultation and discussion with interested parties, and I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement of the Government's collective views which will be made in due course by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.
§ Mr. Bryant Godman IrvineHas the hon. Gentleman noticed that protection against encroachment on agricultural land apparently is to be given only to areas of special quality? In these circumstances has he noticed that there appears to be no such land in the county of Sussex?
§ Mr. StodartIn my view there should be the greatest economy in land utilisation, and where land is earmarked for future development its farming should be prejudiced as little as possible. I will take note of the point my hon. Friend has raised.