HC Deb 24 February 1955 vol 537 cc193-4W
91. Captain Kerby

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of agricultural land he has referred to the Agricultural Land Commission for investigation and report, with a view to acquisition under Section 84 of the Agriculture Act; and how many acres the Commission recommended that, in the interests of maximum efficiency, he should acquire.

Thousand acres
1933 1939 1943 1946 1953
Great Britain:—
Area of agricultural land including rough grazings 45,572 45,207 45,227 45,282 45,098
Area of forests 3,400 3,535 3,595 3,610 3,840
England and Wales:—
Area of agricultural land including rough grazings 30,517 30,184 29,974 29,906 29,815
Area of forests 2,190 2,270 2,310 2,315 2,440

NOTE: The figures of agricultural land and rough grazings relate to June. The forest area figures relate to 30th September and cover potential as well as actual forests, i.e. they include areas of felled, devastated and scrub woodland.

Mr. Nugent

None. The Commission has recommended 10,390 acres for purchase out of the 109,500 acres referred to it by the previous Government. Some 312 acres are in course of purchase.