§ Mr. Charles Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made with the disposal of the 38,100 acres of land held by his Department on 9th February, 1971; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorJust under 11,000 acres of this land which were originally purchased in connection with forestry acquisitions have been transferred to the Forestry Commission for management; the Bosbury smallholdings estate of 680 acres in Herefordshire which I held in trust has been transferred to the trusteeship102W of the county council; and 1,200 acres of freehold and leasehold land have been sold for £345,000.
The acreage under the management of my Department is now about 25,200 acres. This includes some 9,300 acres originally purchased in connection with forestry acquisitions. Arrangements are in hand for the disposal of 5,500 acres of this, and the future of the remainder is being kept under review.
The remaining 15,900 acres under the management of my Department includes 6,500 acres of statutory smallholdings in Lincolnshire (Holland), which I have decided, following discussions with the local authorities, to retain for the time being, together with the Laxton Estate of 1,800 acres in Nottinghamshire which was acquired in 1952 in order to preserve its medieval open field system. I have at present plans for the disposal of about a fifth of the remaining 7,600 acres and shall continue to seek, as opportunity offers, to dispose of any other land surplus to the requirements of my Department.