§ General Sir IVOR PHILIPPSasked the Lord Privy Seal when he proposes to lay before the House the Government proposals for the protection of allotment holders, in the tenure of their allotments?
Sir A. BOSCAWENFresh legislation is not necessary as regards the allotments provided under the Cultivation of Lands Order. The Board have power under the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act, 1916, to remain in possession of the land in question for a period of two years from the end of the War, and they intend to avail themselves of this power except in cases where they are satisfied that the land is required at once for building or other special purpose or where the compensation for continued occupation would be prohibitive. As regards allotments held on agreements between the local authority and the owner, the Board possess no power to intervene, but the existing law puts upon local authorities the onus of providing allotments within their area. As to strengthening those powers, I must ask the hon. Member to await the introduction of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Bill.