§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in and around Benfleet, Leigh, Westcliff and Southend there are numerous portions of uncultivated land which, in the aggregate, would amount to many hundreds of acres; whether he will compel the owners to cultivate such land, thereby producing the necessary food for the local population and avoiding the necessity of transporting foodstuffs grown elsewhere; and whether he will communicate with the Essex War Agricultural Committee so that this matter may be immediately dealt with before the time for digging and planting has elapsed?
Mr. HudsonI am aware of the position regarding uncultivated land in the area mentioned and energetic steps are being taken to deal with it. Some land is already being reclaimed by the Essex1102W County War Agricultural Executive Committee and will produce crops in 1942. The Committee fully realise the urgency of the matter and are ready to deal with the remainder of the derelict land in the area to the extent that labour and machinery are available.