§ Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain local authorities are not extending to allotment holders the benefits of the Agricultural Rates Acts, 1896 and 1923; and whether he will consider communicating with rating authorities in order that allotment holders may receive the full benefits to which they are entitled?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThe law as to the rating of allotment gardens was explained in circulars issued by my Department to local authorities in August last, and so far as I am aware it is understood and is being followed by the authorities concerned. But if the hon. Member has any information to the contrary, and will send me the necessary particulars, I will certainly make inquiries.
§ Captain TERRELLasked the Minister of Health whether he proposes, in his housing scheme, to make any stipulation that allotments taken for housing purposes shall be replaced by alternative holdings reasonably adjacent to the residences of the allotment holders?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYIn the case of land specifically acquired for allotments the consent of the Ministers of Agriculture and Health is ordinarily required before the land can be appropriated for other purposes, and where necessary a condition has been attached to the consent that alternative land should be provided for allotments. Allotment land held under an Inclosure Act can only be taken for housing purposes subject to the conditions laid down in Section 73 of the Housing Act, 1909. As regards land acquired for some other purpose where temporary use for allotments has been permitted, the Allotments Act, 1922, affords protection to the tenants as regards reasonable notice and compensation. In the above circumstances it does not appear that any further action is necessary.