§ 17. Mr. Loydenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with local authorities about the use of available land for agriculture and horticulture in accordance with the policy outlined in "Food From Our Own Resources".
§ Mr. Strang"Food From Our Own Resources" draws attention to the implications of a continuing loss of productive farmland and the Government's policy of ensuring that, wherever possible, agricultural land of a higher quality is not taken for development where land of a lower quality is available. This policy was most recently drawn to the attention of local authorities by Department of the Environment Circular 411W 75 of 17th August 1976 and forms the basis for my Ministry's advice when consulted on the use or development of land by local planning authorities.