HC Deb 18 July 1919 vol 118 cc792-3W
Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is a keen demand for small holdings and allotments at Billingborough, Horbling, and Pointon, in the county of Lincoln; that a large number of the applicants are ex-Service men; that if present powers were put into force land sufficient for all the applicants could be obtained; whether he is aware that the Kesteven County Council have taken no action in this matter; and whether he will take steps to secure that land is immediately provided for these applicants?

Sir ARTHUR BOSCAWEN

Applications have been received from thirty-five men in the parishes referred to for 230 acres, including eight applications from ex-Service men who require 42 acres. As the Crown own practically all the agricultural land in these parishes, the Office of Woods will endeavour to arrange to provide the land for the ex-Service applicants at Lady-Day next. As regards the other applicants, all who are suitable will, it is hoped, be similarly provided with land at the same date.

Sir K. WOOD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how long it is expected the land at Neasden, now tenanted by seventy allotment-holders, will be retained for allotments; why, seeing this land was the pro- perty of the Willesden Urban District Council, that council did not retain this land for the purpose of permanent allotments, considering that the district is already congested; and what action is being taken by the council to provide the holders with alternative land in the event of their being displaced from their present allotments?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to him on the 2nd instant. The land in question is at present held in allotments on a seven years' lease, subject to three months notice, and no notice has been received terminating the tenancy, but the Board will urge the council to look out for alternative land which will be available in the event of the allotment-holders being dispossessed. The Board had no power to interfere in regard to the action of the council in selling the land referred to for building purposes; they understand, however, that it was bought by the council and resold at a price equivalent to more than £800 per acre.