HC Deb 24 July 1919 vol 118 c1572
89. Captain R. TERRELL

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the attention of the Board has been drawn to the action of the owner of the Tabley Estate, Cheshire, in demanding the immediate increase of rent from his tenants without giving the necessary notices, under the threat that if not paid the tenants would be turned off their farms; to the arbitrary increase of rent demanded on this estate and the consequent discontent and unrest invoked; whether the landlord had declined to meet a joint deputation from his tenants and the county branch of the National Fanners' Union; and. if so, whether the Board of Agriculture are prepared to take action to ensure a meeting of the parties interested, together with a representative of the Board of Agriculture, to see if an amicable settlement could be arrived at?

Colonel SANDERS (Lord of the Treasury)

The Board's attention has been called to the increase of rent demanded from tenants on the Tabley Estate. They have no information as to the refusal of the landlord to receive a deputation, nor have they any power to intervene in the manner suggested.