HC Deb 18 July 1985 vol 83 cc461-2
1. Mr. Nicholas Baker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received representations about the loss of agricultural land in southern England.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mrs. Peggy Fenner)

I have received no such representations.

Mr. Baker

Is my hon. Friend aware that agricultural land is being lost to development in the south of England at a wholly unacceptable rate? Is she further aware that every acre so lost diminishes our environment and contributes to greater pressure on farmers? Will she add her weight to ensure that that deplorable trend is reversed?

Mrs. Fenner

The Government have a commitment to the protection of agricultural land, and I attach great importance to the protection of such a finite national resource. I am, however, always ready to examine critically the precise methods of implementing the Government's policy in this area.

Mr. Meadowcroft

Does the Minister accept that in southern England, as in Leeds, housing policies have a great deal to do with the loss of agricultural land—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is what I was hoping would not happen.

Mr. Meadowcroft

I will rephrase my question, Mr. Speaker. For every three old houses demolished, only one can be built, and that inevitably pushes out development. What talks has the Minister had with the Minister for Housing and Construction—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The question is about agricultural land.