asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has had on his proposal to reduce the statutory duties placed on local authorities to provide allotments.

Representations have been received from about 70 organisations and individuals. Generally they ask for the retention of the controls it is proposed to remove. My proposals do not affect the statutory obligation placed on local authorities—except for inner London boroughs—to provide a sufficient number of allotments where they are of the opinion there is a demand.