§ Mr. HAYDAYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is a keen demand for allotments at West Hartlepool; whether local authorities are proposing to acquire land on terms which are considered onerous; whether these terms will provide for seven days' notice of dispossession, without compensation, being given to holders at any time; whether the holders will be called upon to meet considerable expenditure for a fence and for the turf; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made into this matter with a view to the prompt provision of land on reasonable conditions?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Ministry is aware that the West Hartlepool Town Council have had under consideration the acquisition of certain land at Park Road464W for allotments. In view of the claims for compensation received from the owner and occupier the council's allotment committee decided to consult the representatives of the applicants. As a result it was decided not to take any further action. The acquisition of land is a matter for the decision of the council, and as, according to the Ministry's information, the applicants themselves voted against proceeding further with the compulsory acquisition of this land it does not seem that the Ministry can usefully take any further action.
§ Mr. MYERSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in a letter from his Department, dated 13th April, referring to the provision of allotments to members of the March and District Allotments and Small Holdings Association, the statement that at a recent meeting of the March Urban District Council it was agreed between the council and representatives of the association that it is not at present possible to hire suitable land and let it at a rent sufficiently low to make an allotment profitable is inaccurate, and that in fact no such agreement was reached; and whether, in these circumstances, he will make further inquiries into the matter with a view to securing for the members of the association, some of whom are ex-service men and have been waiting for allotments for two years, the possession of the necessary land?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe statement referred to was based on a letter received from the clerk of the March Urban District Council, but in view of the hon. Member's representations further inquiries will be made as to the possibility of satisfying the demand for allotments in the district.