§ Mr. WILSON-FOXasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Hoard of Agriculture whether he is aware that orders for the ploughing up of grass-land are still being given by agricultural committees; and why this action is being taken at a time when the supply of corn available or in sight is generally understood to be ample for the requirements of the country?
Sir A. GHIFFITH-BOSCAWENIt is still in the National interest what as much and as possible in that country should be kept and brought under the plough, in new of the probable demand of other countries on the exportable surplus of the world. The need for increased production remains, and the Board have, therefore, informed the agricultural executive committees that, while it is impracticable at present to compel farmers generally to plough more grass land, orders may be issued in special cases. I may remind my hon. Friend that all ploughing orders are low subject to a right of appeal to an Independent arbitrator. The policy of the Board on the matter is set out in a circular Setter issued by the President on the 1st onst., a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.
Captain TERRELLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the land ploughed up during the War is not allowed to revert to grass?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENAgricultural Executive Committees are authorised by Regulations issued under the Defence of tie Realm Act to maintain in arable cultivation any grass land which has been ploughed up.