asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the case of uncultivated gardens in their boundaries due to families leaving the district for reasons connected with the war, the local authorities concerned have been given the right to enter and cultivate such gardens or to allow others to do so; and whether he will issue a statement to make the position quite clear for the information of the public and especially for the benefit of those who cannot obtain allotments in the ordinary course?

Mr. Hudson:

Under the Cultivation of Lands Order, 1939, local authorities in England and Wales, with my consent, may enter on any garden, occupied or usually occupied with a dwelling house, for the purpose of providing allotments. Voluntary arrangements usually, however, make the exercise of these powers unnecessary. Local authorities are well aware of their powers and if any further publicity on the subject is necessary I hope this answer will serve the purpose.