asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that the war agricultural executive committees are able to tackle the problem of reclaiming derelict, scrub and waste land; and that, in some counties, it is not necessary to allocate this work to a special ad hoc body?

Mr. Hudson:

I see no advantage at the present time in setting up special ad hoc bodies to deal with derelict land.

Is the Minister aware that there are very large tracts of this land, particularly in Eastern counties, and that war agricultural committees are often so occupied with current business that they have great difficulty in handling the problem?

Mr. Hudson:

I have stated on more than one occasion in Debate that the reclamation of derelict land depends upon supplies of labour, machinery and materials. The creation of ad hoc bodies does not increase those supplies. The important thing is, that what supplies we have should be used to the best advantage, and I am satisfied that that is taking place at the present time.