§ 19. Mr. G. Brownasked the Minister of Agriculture the actual increase in the tillage acreage shown by his latest returns; and the estimated cost for the same period of the ploughing subsidy.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe increase in the tillage area in England and Wales is162W about 156,000 acres over last year, but the area under crops, excluding grass, has increased by 238,000 acres. The estimated cost of the special 1952 ploughing subsidy in England and Wales is £3 million.
§ 20. Mr. G. Brownasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of directions served under the Tillage (Maximum Pasture) Order, from October, 1951, up to the latest convenient date; and whether he has now decided to make greater use of this power.
§ Sir T. DugdaleEighty-six in the year ended 31st October, 1952. As regards the second part of the Question, I have recently asked county agricultural executive committees in England and Wales not to hesitate to use these powers where they are satisfied a farmer is not making a proper contribution to the tillage drive.