Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will have inquiries made in connection with Corporal G. H. Jones' fruit orchard at Church Lench, near Evesham, in view of the fact that the owner is serving with the R.A.F.; and the action that has been taken under the Cultivation of Lands Order, 1939, by the 2012W Worcestershire War Agricultural Executive Committee.
Mr. HudsonI understand that the greater part of Corporal Jones' orchard is unproductive and depreciating in value as a result of continued neglect. The Worcestershire War Agricultural Executive Committee consider that it would be in Corporal Jones' own interest to grub the trees and clean the land and let it for arable cropping. Before directions were given to Corporal Jones he was interviewed by technical officers of the Committee, and the question of affording him assistance in carrying out the work was discussed. I am making further inquiries and will let my hon. Friend know the result.