§ Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Epping Forest Commissioners still decline to grant tenure of the allotments at Wan-stead Flats and Epping Forest beyond the end of this year; that the attitude of the Commissioners has caused considerable public indignation; that the local authorities in the area concerned are favourable to the continuance of the allotments; and that the decision of the Epping Forest Commissioners is contrary to the spirit of the assurances given to allotment-holders; and whether, in view of the fact that the portion under cultivation is only 2 per cent. of the total area of the Flats, thereby not interfering with general recreation, he will take action to secure the retention of these allotments for two years from the official termination of the War?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe answer to parts 1, 2, and 3 is in the affirmative. As regards the fourth and last part, the Board have made representations on several occasions to the Epping Forest Committee of the City Corporation, urgng them to extend the tenancy of the allotment-holders in question for a further twelve months, but without success. The President regrets that the Board have no power to control the discretion of the City Corporation under their Defence of the Realm powers.