§ Mr. DUNCANasked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of land have gone out of cultivation during the last three years; in what parts of the country they are situated; in how many cases has his Department had to destroy weeds on land so neglected; and what has been the total cost of the work so done?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe annual agricultural returns indicate the decrease in the total area of land returned by occupiers as arable, permanent pasture or rough grazings, but do not differentiate between the area which has been taken over for building or other industrial objects, and the area which, owing to neglect or other reasons, has ceased to be used, but is still available for agricultural purposes. With regard to the remainder of the question, the only case where an agricultural committee has had to bear the expense of destroying weeds in consequence of an occupier failing to do so after being served with a statutory notice is that of Barton Stacey, Hampshire, with which case the hon. Member is familiar. The amount expended in that case was £214 and this sum has not yet been recovered. In one other case the Kent Agricultural Committee employed the adjoining occupiers as their agents for carrying out similar work, but the area concerned was small and the occupiers did it at their own expense.
§ Mr. DUNCANasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the farmers who cultivate the adjoining land to that which has gone out of cultivation at Barton Stacey and Wonston, in Hampshire, are seriously talking of ceasing to 1518W cultivate their land owing to the trouble given by the weeds from the derelict land; and what he proposes to do in the matter?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI have no information as to the intentions of the farmers in question. As to the steps taken to deal with the matter, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him. on the 25th July.