§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that great areas of land in this country are becoming derelict from lack of cultivation; and whether, in addition to the measures already announced, he will take steps to acquire compulsorily all such land and use it for allotments or otherwise to increase the production of food?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithIn urban areas powers under the Defence Regulations have been delegated to local authorities to take possession of unoccupied land and also, with the consent of the owner and occupier, of occupied land, for the purpose of providing allotments. In rural areas similar powers of entry may be exercised by County War Agricultural Executive Committees, and these committees may also give such directions with respect to the cultivation, management or use of agricultural land as may be necessary for increasing or maintaining the food supply of the country. The use of these powers is more likely, in my view, to meet the needs of the situation than would the compulsory acquisition of the land.
§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the intention of the Government to increase the number of allotments, he will take steps to bring into use for cultivation as allotments the thousands of acres of fertile land available in the green parks which surround country mansions in this country?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe powers of entry on land referred to in my reply to the previous question put to me by the hon. Member are in my opinion adequate for the purpose of bringing about the desired increase in the number of allotments. These powers are, of course, additional to those conferred on local authorities by the Allotments Acts.