§ Captain Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Agriculture how far it is his policy that the South Downs should be used for grazing rather than be put under the 152W plough, with a view to their preservation as an ancient beauty spot; and to what extent he has been able to implement such a policy.
Mr. AmoryFarmers are free to determine for themselves the type of agricultural production to which their land is best suited, and I have no powers which could be used to control cropping programmes with a view to preserving areas of natural beauty. I understand that there has been useful co-operation between farmers, landowners and amenity interests in this matter.