§ Mr. MYERSasked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is proposed to evict a number of allotment holders on land under his control at the end of February; whether this action is being taken without his having heard the views of the allotment holders, though repeated appeals have been made to him to receive a deputation; and whether, seeing that the present is an inopportune time to turn allotment holders off in view of the existing unemployment and the continued need for food production, he will reconsider his decision?
§ Sir A. MONDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There is no foundation for the suggestion contained in the second part of the question, as the views of the allotment holders have been placed before me on several occasions, and as a result substantial extensions were granted on the understanding that no further concessions would be sought. I regret that I am unable to alter my decision, as I can see no justification for the continued occupation for allotment purposes of portions of the public parks, and the London County Council have evidently taken a similar view, as all the allotments in the parks and open spaces under their control have already been closed down.