§ Mr. HUNTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention had been called to the case of Mr. Pope, of Monkhall, Monkhopton, South Shropshire, who had had notice to leave his farm (under 150 acres) by the county council; whether he was aware that the farm supported nine people, and that Mr. Pope and his three sons and his brother all worked on the farm, and that he had been on the farm for forty-seven years; and whether, in view of these facts, he would use his influence with the county council to withdraw the notice to quit?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe farm was purchased by the county council in the open market in order to satisfy the demand for small holdings in the locality, and the county council have no alternative but to give notice to the present tenant. He will be entitled to compensation under the Act of last year.
§ Mr. HUNTIs it to be the rule that county councils shall be able to turn working farmers out of their farms, giving them notice without any reason whatever?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYNotice was not given without any reason whatever; it was to provide small holdings. The county councils pursue their own discretion in the matter.
§ Mr. HUNTIs no notice to be taken of the fact that the man and his family have lived there for forty-seven years?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe hon. Member should bring the matter under the attention of his own county council?