Mr. F. HALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he is aware that the allotments in Bingley to which his attention has been drawn were not let temporarily, but were subject to the usual condition of 12 months' notice, and that the local authority do not propose to provide suitable alternative land for the allotment holders and have taken no action beyond giving the holders notice in order to convert the allotments into a bowling-green; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, he will exercise his influence with the local authority to prevent the destruction which will be involved by their present policy?
Sir A. BOSCAWENAs I stated in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member with regard to this case on the 4th inst., the land in question was purchased for the purpose of a public park and was let temporarily in allotments on agreements providing for twelve months' notice. Notices to quit were given in accordance with the agreements with the allotment holders expiring on the 1st March next. As regards the question of alternative land, the Ministry's Commissioner for the district has been informed by the Clerk to the urban district council that it is intended to provide suitable land at Crossflats, on part of the Ryshworth Hall Estate.