§ 24. Mr. CHARLES WHITEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the provisions of the Corn Production Act, landowners are raising the rent of their farms to the tenants; and whether he intends to take any action in the matter where special cases are brought to his notice, such as are now occurring in Derbyshire on the Ogston estate?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Com Production Act does not prevent landowners from raising rents provided that they are not in excess of what could have been obtained if the Act had not been passed. The Board have no information as to the Ogston estate, but they will be glad to consider any case if particulars are supplied to them.
§ Mr. WHITEIs the answer just given not directly opposite to the provisions of the Corn Production Act?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe answer I gave interprets correctly the provisions of the Corn Production Act.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould it not be more correct to say that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has interpreted correctly the intentions of the present Government?
§ Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALLIs it not a fact that a large number of farmers were paying uneconomic rents before the passing of the Act?