HC Deb 27 October 1982 vol 29 c417W
Mr. Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the approximate acreage of farm land owned by local authorities in Wales.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards:

This information is available only in respect of statutory smallholdings owned by local authorities. The total area of these in Wales at 31 March 1981, was 20,854 hectares (51,509 acres).

Mr. Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to encourage local authorities which own farm land to dispose of it to the private sector.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards:

Local authorities and other public bodies are already encouraged to dispose of land which they no longer need for their functions. This covers agricultural land as much as other land.