HC Deb 06 December 1951 vol 494 cc280-1W
49. Mr. Steward

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is proposing to take to ensure that the many acres of unproductive land in Great Britain are reclaimed for agricultural use, particularly in moorland and hill districts; and if he will give consideration to the use of every possible scientific aid to assist in this matter.

Sir T. Dugdale

Since the Question relates to Great Britain my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has asked me to associate him with the reply. Various schemes are already in operation for developing the efficient use of marginal agricultural land. We should need to be reasonably sure that better results would be achieved before altering any arrangements that are working well or can be made to do so. I am glad to say that a considerable amount of help from scientists of all kinds is available and we intend to make full use of it.