§ 20. Mr. G. LAMBERTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of insecurity to tenants caused by speculative purchases of land; whether he is aware that security is essential to secure the maximum amount of food and agricultural products; and whether measures will be introduced to ensure security for tenant farmers; and, if so, when the announcement of such measures can be made?
§ Sir R. WINFREYChanges of ownership of farms occur from various causes every year, and the speculative purchase of farms must to a certain extent follow. The Department are well aware that any displacement of tenants who are farming well is specially undesirable just now, and in certain eases have used their influence with new owners in order to defer changes of tenancy. The President doubts whether the number of such cases in which the national interest is prejudiced by notices to quit is such as to justify new and contentious legislation to deal with the point.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill such legislation be contentious?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThat is a matter of opinion.