§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria he will use in the exercise of his powers under the Allotments Act 1925 in respect of the disposal of allotment land or its use for other purposes. [10291]
§ Angela EagleThe Secretary of State's consent, under section 8 of the Allotment Act 1925, for the disposal of statutory allotment land will not be given unless he is satisfied that adequate alternative provision is made for any displaced allotment holders, or that such provision is not necessary.
§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list his(a) consents and (b) refusals of consent since 2 May under the Allotments Act 1925 for the disposal of allotment land or its use for other purposes. [10317]
§ Angela EagleThe Secretary of State has given his consent, under section 8 of the Allotment Act 1925, for disposal of the following statutory allotment sites since 2 May 1997:
- 7 May: Peel Street, Carlisle
- 9 May: Wolverhampton Metropolitan Borough Council Training Centre, Wolverhampton
- 19 May: Firtree Lane, Bristol
- 19 May: Troopers Hill Bristol
- 19 May: 32 Nicholas Lane, Bristol
- 23 May: Burton Road, Overseal, Derbyshire
- 28 May: Washbrook Allotments, Leicester
- 3 June: Roundwood Glen, Greengates, Bradford
- 9 June: Langham Allotments, Rutland
- 11 June: Bridge Street, Loddon, South Norfolk
- 24 June: Lee Lane, Langley, Amber Valley, Derbyshire
- 24 June: Ridgeway Allotments and Manor Hall Allotments, Southwick, West Sussex
- 25 June: Broadwater Gardens Allotments, Harefield, Middlesex
- 25 June: The Bartons, Much Marcle, Ledbury, Herefordshire
- 26 June: Harewood Allotments, Cornfield Road, Thornaby
- 26 June: Harewood Allotments, Thornaby Road, Thornaby
- 26 June: Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey
698 - 10 July: Cannock Road, Cannock
- 11 July: Barnsfield Place Allotment, Uxbridge, Middlesex
- 14 July: Primrose Hill, Stockton-on-Tees
- 15 July: Dodmire Allotments, Darlington
- 17 July: Britten Road, Reddith
- 22 July: Scotchman Road, Bradford.
There have been no refusals of consent under section 8 of the 1925 Act since 2 May.
§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will establish a review, involving hon. Members, of the future of allotments. [10318]
§ Angela EagleThere are no current plans to undertake a review of allotments.
§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance the Government(a) have given and (b) plan to give local authorities concerning the release of more land for allotments. [10319]
§ Angela EagleLocal authorities are required, where they are satisfied that there is sufficient demand, to provide an appropriate number of allotment sites to residents within their areas. There are no plans to provide any more specific guidance to local authorities.
§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage local authorities and large landowners to release more land for allotments. [10320]
§ Angela EagleThe provision of allotment sites is a matter for local authorities, taking into account the demand for sites within their area.
§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to limit the periods during which allotment plots can be left vacant. [10343]
§ Angela EagleManagement of allotment sites is a matter for the relevant local authority or parish council, taking into account the demand within the area.