§ 49. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture the acreage of common land in England and Wales; and if he will appoint a committee to consider the use being made of these commons for food production and the recreation of the public.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe precise acreage of commons in England and Wales is unknown but is estimated at somewhat less than two million. A great deal of this is mountain or heath land and a large part of the better portions has been requisitioned under war-time powers and put in the charge of county agricultural executive committees. A detailed survey is in process of the effect on food production of derequisitioning this and other requisitioned land. Where necessary the existing powers of acquisition will be used. I do not propose to appoint a committee but the whole subject will continue to engage the attention of my Department.