HC Deb 12 March 1941 vol 369 cc1304-5W
Mr. Lyons

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the question of bracken eradication in grazing areas is still under consideration; whether, in view of probable food shortage, a. policy will quickly be settled; and what steps are being taken in the matter now?

Mr. Hudson

Arrangements have now been completed whereby grants will be made available towards the cost of clearing bracken on hill sheep farms and pastoral farms in England and Wales on similar lines to those announced on 12th December, 1940, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. Grants will be at the rate of 50 per cent. of the agreed estimated cost of clearing the ground in respect of which any application is made subject to the satisfactory completion of the work. Full details of the scheme will be announced as soon as possible.