§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the land at Greening Street, Woolwich, now held as allotments, the tenure of which is to be determined on 1st January next, is stated to be quite unsuitable for games, the purpose for which it is stated to be required; that there are many acres in the immediate neighbourhood suitable for organised games, particularly 120 acres of land belonging to the London County Council, 1976W the authority requesting the termination of the allotments at Greening Street; and whether, in view of this and also the necessity for continuing allotment work in the interests of the community, he will have inquiry made into this case and secure that the allotment-holders are not disturbed in their tenure?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe case to which my hon. Friend refers is already being investigated by the Board and I will acquaint him with the result in due course.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will make inquiries into the case of Mr. J. Stuart Smith, Naseby, Chase Side, Enfield, who has received notice from the local education committee determining the tenancy of his allotment, consisting of about three-quarters of an acre, behind Chase Side Council School, no reason for the notice to quit being advanced; and whether he will take action in order to secure the tenure of this allotment to Mr. Smith?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe case to which my hon. Friend refers in already being investigated by the Board, and I will communicate the result to him in due course.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Enfield Urban District Council has decided to terminate the tenancies of allotments at Bush Hill Park, Enfield, in March next; that the area of this land under allotments is only one-fourth; that the area under cultivation does not encroach on sports grounds or cause any inconvenience to the public; that of the 125 plots half are under cultivation for the third year and half for the second year, and that the total rent paid by the cultivators is approximately £157; and whether, with a view to enabling the holders to recoup themselves for their expenditure of time, money, and labour in the interests of food production, and the future necessity for food production, he will represent to the Enfield Council the necessity of their granting tenure of these allotments for a period of two years from the termination of the War?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe case to which my hon. Friend refers is already being investigated by the Board, and I will acquaint him with the result in due course.
1977W
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he will state what action has been taken by the London County Council with a view to providing alternative allotments for holders who may be dispossessed; and, if no action has been taken, will he represent to the London County Council the necessity of their taking such action promptly?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI am informed that the London County Council have always under consideration the question of providing additional allotments. The Board drew the attention of the council as recently as 11th July to the necessity of making every endeavour to provide dispossessed allotment-holders with alternative plots. The powers of local authorities in this respect will be considerably strengthened when the Land Settlement (Facilities) Bill becomes law, and in the London area the Metropolitan Borough Councils will become allotment authorities concurrently with the London County Council. As soon as the Bill becomes law, the Board will circularise all allotment authorities drawing attention to their increased powers.