HC Deb 17 December 1947 vol 445 cc358-9W
Mr. McAdam

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the reconversion of allotments in Arnos Public Park to a playing field by Southgate Council and of similar action by other local councils, he will take powers to secure the restoration of allotment sites on such land and on land now lying vacant.

Mr. T. Williams

It is solely within the discretion of local authorities whether land specifically acquired for parks or playing fields should be made available for use as temporary allotments, but in view of the serious food situation I have urged authorities to retain, not only such land, but also other temporary allotment land, for food production. I understand that the Southgate Borough Council have accordingly decided that allotments to their parks may remain undisturbed until at least March, 1949; and that there has been no reconversion of allotments in Arnos Park to playing fields since July, 1946, when some regrouping was effected so as to bring occupied plots together, and release the area not required.