§ Mr. Lambertasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has yet issued instructions to the Devon County War Agricultural Committee for the utilisation after the war of areas reclaimed for cropping in the county including the moors of Hatherleigh, Beaford and Hollacombe; and, if not, when such instructions will be issued.
Mr. HudsonThe Devon War Agricultural Executive Committee, as my agents, are cultivating the moors at Hatherleigh, Beaford and Hollacombe to ensure maximum food production during the emergency period. They cannot remain in possesion after the end of the war period unless I have given a certificate under Section 23 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous War Provisions) Act, 1940, that the land was not being cultivated, or was not being cultivated in accordance with the rules of good husbandry at the time of taking possession. In the cases of the moors at Hatherleigh, and Beaford, where such certificates have been issued, possession is limited to a further three years after the end of the war period.