§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what encouragement he is giving to local authorities to(a) maintain and preserve allotments and (b) provide replacement land where land formerly used for allotments has been subject to development. [50655]
§ Angela EagleThe Government are currently considering the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee's report into 'The Future for Allotments', and will produce a formal response in due course. Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925 provides that the Secretary of State must consent to the disposal of statutory allotment land by a local authority.
(a) Since 25 March 1998, statutory allotment land has been given increased protection by placing a requirement on authorities to demonstrate the steps they have taken to promote allotments in their area before they can dispose of such land.
321W(b) Consent under section 8 of the 1925 Act may not be given unless the Secretary of State is satisfied either that adequate provision will be made for displaced plotholders, or that such provision is not necessary or is impracticable.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to encourage the use of allotments with particular reference to their potential for growing organic vegetables. [50651]
§ Angela EagleThe Government are currently considering the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee's report into the 'The Future for Allotments', and will produce a formal response in due course.