HC Deb 18 February 1919 vol 112 cc749-50
102. Major WHELER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board had received in December a resolution passed by the Council of the Central Chamber of Agriculture protesting against the attitude taken up by the Food Production Department of the Board in cases of a change of tenancy by refusing to recognise the right of the incoming tenant to compensation for loss of crop on land ploughed out by order on the ground that the order to plough out was served on the outgoing tenant; and, if so, what action the Board have taken to remedy this injustice to the incoming tenant?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

The Board received the resolution referred to. The right of the incoming tenant depends on varying circumstances which cannot be set out in the limits of an answer. The position of the Board is stated fully in a letter which they have sent to the Royal Agricultural Society, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. If, after reading it, any point remains on which my hon. and gallant Friend is not satisfied, I will gladly reply to any further question.

105. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is intended to enforce orders to plough land, against the experience of the cultivators of such land, during the coming season?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

The Board hae decided not to compel farmers as a general rule to plough more grass land this year, but executive committees have the power of issuing such orders in special cases. All such orders are subject to appeal and reference to an independent arbitrator.

106. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether compensation will be available to cultivators of land who, by the order of the county executive committee, ploughed and cropped unsuitable land, losing heavily in the process last year?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

Yes, Sir. The Board are liable to pay compensation to any person who suffers any such loss by reason of the exercise of the powers of any executive committee.

Mr. LAMBERT

To whom should application be made in these cases?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

It should be made to the Board.