§ 45. Mr. FRANCEasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the recent instances of gambling in farm land; if he is aware that the Redesdale estate in Northumberland was recently advertised for sale by public auction; that the tenant farmers who were intending to bid for their farms were deprived of this opportunity by the estate being sold privately to a speculator who in turn has sold it to another speculator, who is now re-advertising the estate for sale by public auction after two substantial profits have been taken and much hardship inflicted upon one tenant in view of this rapid change of ownership; and if he proposes to deal with such speculators and such profits adequately?
§ Sir R. WINFREYI understand that the Redesdale property was sold privately early this year, and that the purchaser has since resold it to another person. It is not the case, however, that the present owner has advertised the property for sale, or that any hardship has been inflicted on the tenants. One of the tenants is giving up his farm of his own accord, but he was afforded the opportunity by the present owner to remain in occupation if he desired to do so. The Board, in any case, possess no powers to intervene, but they are considering 1573 whether the cases of disturbance of tenants by reason of speculation in land values are so numerous as to interfere with food production, and to justify the Board in asking for remedial legislation.
§ Sir TUDOR WALTERSWill the Board of Agriculture consider making it compulsory giving the tenants an opportunity to purchase before it is sold elsewhere?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe hon. Member must give notice.