Mr. PULLEYasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that the farming industry views with anxiety the possibility of an Order being issued compelling farmers to plough up a further acreage of grass land this winter; if a decision has been arrived at with reference to this matter; and, if so, the nature of the same?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe Board have informed the agricultural executive committees that any large new ploughing programme is impracticable till the labour position is substantially or permanently improved, or until a fresh emergency arises, and instructions have been issued that no fresh Orders to plough up grass land should be served before the 21st August. In the case of any Order served after that date, the owner or occupier will have a statutory right to have such Order referred to arbitration, and in default of agreement the arbitrator will be appointed by the President of the Surveyors' Institution.