§ Sir I. Alberyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange for financial assistance to be provided for market gardeners who have suffered severe damage by the destruction of glasshouses in air raids?
Mr. HudsonA general scheme for the insurance of property against war damage is under active preparation in pursuance of the recent announcement by the Prime Minister and consideration is being given to the inclusion of market gardeners in it.
§ Sir A. Maitlandasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) what definite action has been taken by His Majesty's Government, in order to prevent delay in production of foodstuffs, to assist farmers to proceed at once with the repair of damage to their holdings caused by enemy action;
(2) whether arrangements will be made that farmers, who sustain damage to their livestock and crops as a result of enemy action, may receive immediate compensation, as otherwise food production may suffer?
Mr. HudsonThe provisions of the Essential Buildings and Plant (Repair of War Damage) Act, 1939, apply to farm buildings although no loans have yet been made. With regard to damage to land, livestock and crops, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Howdenshire (Colonel Carver) on this subject on 16th October.