HC Deb 31 May 1916 vol 82 cc2748-9W
Sir STUART COATS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board, in the interest of our national food supplies, will consider the advisability as a matter of national importance, of taking steps, by legislation or otherwise, to ensure that the owners of pieces of waste or vacant land should give every possible facility to local authorities or societies which are willing to arrange for their cultivation for the period of the War?

Mr. ACLAND

The Board agree that very facility possible ought to be given by owners of waste or vacant lands to local authorities or societies who can arrange to cultivate them during the War, and they are glad of this opportunity of emphasising the fact. They considered the advisability of bringing in legislation, but, as at present advised, have decided against it, because they felt that they could confidently rely on the patriotism of owners of vacant lands to lend or let them for the purpose referred to.