HC Deb 02 July 1919 vol 117 cc1004-6W
Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether intimation has been given by the Willesden Urban District Council. to seventy allotment-holders at Neasden that their allotments are to be given up; whether this land is the property of the urban council; whether that council considered the advisability of allocating this land permanently for allotments, in view of the needs of the district; why and when this land is to be given up; and whether no other land is available in the district for any purpose for which the allotment ground may be required?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The land in question was purchased by the urban district council in 1905 for an electricity undertaking and was sold in October, 1918, for building purposes. The council, with a view to continuing the use of the land for allotments, arranged a seven years' lease terminable at three months' notice. They have not yet received notice determining the tenancy, and it is hoped that the allotment-holders will not be dispossessed, at any rate, before the end of the year. The Board have no information with regard to the last part of the question.

Sir K. WOOD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what is the present position in regard to the allotments at Strathbrook Road, Streatham, on the holders of which notice to vacate was served by the Wandsworth Borough Council; and whether, in accordance with the Board's Circular of 23rd May last regarding tenure, plans for building on this land have been approved by the local authority, and building material is available to commence work?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Notice to quit has been served only in respect of a small portion of the land in question. The owner applied for the return of this land, and gave an undertaking to commence building at once. This application was dealt with by the Borough Council in April last before the issue of the Circular referred to by my hon. Friend. As regards the remainder of the land, the owners have all asked to be given immediate possession for building purposes, and their applications are being dealt with by the local authority in accordance with the instructions set out in the Circular.

Sir K. WOOD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Wandsworth Borough Council is proposing to terminate the tenancies of allotments at Moyser Road, Streatham, and Mulliner's Field, Southfields, on 1st January next; and for what purpose the land is required?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The land at Moyser Road is required for building purposes, and the tenants have received notice to quit. The owner of Mulliner's Field has applied for possession for building purposes, and the council have agreed to give possession on the 1st January next if the owner will furnish an undertaking that the land will be used immediately for building. Up to the present time the owner has not given this undertaking, and, therefore, no notice to quit has been served.