§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what date is to be regarded as the termination of the War in connection with the tenure of allotments held under the Acquisition of Land Act, 1916?
Sir ARTHUR BOSCAWENThe date of the termination of the War will be fixed by Order in Council under the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act, 1918.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the London County Council has given notice to terminate the tenancies of allotments at Sprules Road, Brockley; for what purpose this land is required; and whether he will secure the holders of these allotments in their tenure for two years from the termination of the War?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Board are in formed that this land was originally re-1838W quired by the London County Council for educational purposes. The Council intend in due course to build on the site, and, in the meantime, they desire to use it for the purpose of organised games. The Board have written to the London County Council asking them to endeavour to obtain other land for the allotment-holders.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a request is being made for the displacement of allotment-holders at Burnham Avenue, Bognor; whether he is aware that this land is not required for building, but is to be converted into a tennis court; whether he will take action with a view to preventing the dispossession of these allotment-holders; whether the Bognor council is providing allotments in accordance with the demand for land in that district; and whether he will take action with the council with a view to their putting into operation their powers for the compulsory hiring of land failing their being able to obtain it by agreement?
Sir A. BOSCAWENInformation in the possession of the Board indicates that the owner desires to obtain possession of the land referred to in order that he may carry out a contract to sell to purchasers who desire to develop their poultry industry at present carried on on adjoining land. As a result of a visit by an inspector of the Board it is hoped that an arrangement will be arrived at by which the majority of the allotment-holders at present cultivating the land will be allowed to remain. With regard to the last two parts of the question, the Board's inspector has been assured by the council that they will make every effort to acquire land for allotments under the Small Holdings Act.