HC Deb 03 December 1953 vol 521 c148W
17. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, in the past, his Department has sent circulars asking councils to produce dried grass from the municipal aerodromes to assist the food production drive; and, in view of the difficulties which the Stoke-on-Trent City Council have had in disposing of the grass, and their expenditure in the matter, whether he will now withdraw the circular and compensate the Stoke-on-Trent City Council for their losses.

Sir T. Dugdale

My Department has not sent any circular specifically asking councils to produce dried grass from municipal airfields, although it has encouraged the maximum agricultural use of land on civil airfields, including grass drying where appropriate. I regret the difficulties that the Stoke-on-Trent Council are experiencing, but I have no powers to pay compensation and can see no case for acquiring such powers.