DR. CAMERONasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Whether it is true, as asserted in the "Mark Lane Express," that a circular bearing his signature had been addressed to the tenants of the Duchy of Lancaster, excluding them from the benefits of the Agricultural Holdings (England) Act of last Session by giving them formal notice that their contracts of tenancy shall remain unaffected by that Act?
COLONEL TAYLORIt is true. Sir, I have issued a circular of the nature described by the hon. Member on the advice of the recognized and responsible officials of the Duchy. Having consulted several of the Council, I did that which was considered best for Her Majesty's estates. I may add that the difficulties intended to be met by the Agricultural Holdings (England) Act have never occurred between the Duchy and its tenants. The tenants are scarcely ever changed, and, as a matter of course almost, the farms pass from father to son, and the improvements, as a rule, are always made by the Duchy at a stated rate of interest.