HC Deb 17 March 1958 vol 584 c100W
Mr. Peyton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultation his Department had with the National Farmers' Union between the announcement in the Gracious Speech regarding agricultural legislation and the introduction of the Agriculture Bill.

Mr. John Hare

Following the Prime Minister's announcement, further discussions were held with the Country Landowners' Association and the National Farmers' Union on the provision for security of tenure, and agreement was reached on its terms. A number of bodies including the N.F.U. were asked to consider matters consequential on the decision to repeal the disciplinary powers, and to confer on various other points still under consideration, including the question of rental arbitrations; and were asked whether they had any suggestions of their own. The N.F.U. declined to take part in those discussions on the grounds that it was opposed to the Government's decision to repeal Part II and that legislation on rents was, in its view, premature.