Mr. Mitchisonsasked the Minister of Agriculture what payments he has made under Sections 20 to 25 of the Mineral Workings Act, 1951; and whether he will make a statement as to arrangements in respect of the management and farming of worked ironstone land, their progress and results.
Mr. AmoryArrangements under Section 20 of the Act have been made in respect of the management and farming of approximately 420 acres of worked ironstone land, and initial payments amounting to £1,186 and £6,030 have been made to owners and occupiers respectively. Arrangements for a further 250 acres are at present under discussion. No grants for afforestation have been made under Section 25 of the Act, but a number of schemes are under consideration. The arrangements made so far have been largely directed to the establishment of a sward on land restored or levelled without topsoil. Results have been most encouraging.