§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, with reference to the decision of the Epping Forest Commissioners to terminate the tenancies of the allotments on Wanstead Flats on 31st December next, he is aware of the feeling in this matter among the thousand plot-holders concerned; that representations have been made to the commissioners by local authorities for this area; that the commissioners declined to receive a deputation to represent the views of the plot-holders; and whether, in view of the decision of the London County Council reversing its previous decision to terminate the tenancies of allotments in the parks at the end of this year, he will make urgent representations to the Epping Forest Commissioners with a view to their receiving a deputation and to bring their decision regarding tenancy into line with the decision of the London County Council?
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§ Mr. PRATTI have nothing to add to the answer given by my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to the question addressed to him on the 28th ultimo by the hon. Member for West Leyton.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Worcester City Council have unanimously adopted a resolution to the effect that in the event of any land within the city at present occupied and cultivated as allotments being offered for sale, the land cultivation committee be authorised to purchase compulsorily or otherwise such land where it is considered necessary to retain the tenants in their holdings; and whether he will bring this to the notice of local authorities with a view to their taking similar action?
§ Mr. PRATTThe Board have not received any information respecting this resolution. Local authorities, however, can only purchase or hire land for allotments in accordance with the terms of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, and under this Act the rent charged for allotments must be such as will ensure the authority against loss. As it is not intended to alter this Regulation in the Land Settlement Bill, it would not be practicable for local authorities to purchase for allotments land required for building or industrial purposes. In these circumstances the Board do not prepose to forward the resolution mentioned to other urban authorities.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the London County Council have declined to accept a recommendation from the Parks Committee of the Council to terminate the tenancies of allotments under their control at the end of this year, thus reversing the decision the Council arrived at three months ago; whether, in view of the desire of the London County Council that the allotment-holders should be afforded extended tenure, and that it has all along been understood by allotment-holders, through the official assurance given, that they would have tenure for at least two years from the end of the War, he will state whether the allotments referred to are held under Regulation 2L of the Defence of the Realm Act; and whether the two years referred to is applicable to all land held for allotments under that Regulation?
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§ Mr. PRATTThe Board have not had their attention called to the decision of the London County Council referred to in the question. The allotments referred to are held under Regulation 2l of the Defence of the Realm Act, and the period of two years is applicable to all land held for allotments under that Regulation provided the Board consider its retention for that purpose to be both necessary and expedient.
§ Sir K. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in cases of allotments held by private. agreement or under no agreement it is proposed to terminate the tenancies of such allotments, he will secure power with a view to enabling the Board or local authorities to acquire compulsorily such land which is not required for building, with a view to retaining allotment-holders in possession of the land?
§ Mr. PRATTUnder the Land Settlement (Facilities) Bill, allotment authorities will be empowered to acquire or hire compulsorily any land not required for building or industrial purposes.