HC Deb 30 June 1919 vol 117 cc608-9
Major McKENZIE WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the feeling of insecurity created among farmers by the numerous recent sales of estates to land speculators, he will introduce legislation to give all farmers the same rights as to security of tenure, compensation for improvements, and fair rent, which are given to small landholders or statutory small tenants under the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I am aware that the sales referred to have created a sense of insecurity among tenant farmers. I hope shortly to be able to state the method by which the Government propose to deal with the matter.

Mr. BILLING

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been raised now for some four months and the gambling is still going on? Will he take some steps to stop it forthwith by an Order in Council or anything that is necessary?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I am quite aware of the matter, and we are considering the best method to adopt.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman answering for the Secretary for Scotland or the English Board of Agriculture; and, if he is answering for the English Board of Agriculture, why is he answering this question?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I am answering the question for the English Board of Agriculture because I was asked to do so.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Scottish Small Landholders Act and the dealings under it are under the control of the Scottish Office? What has his Department to do with it?

Lieut.-Colonel ARTHUR MURRAY

Is the Secretary for Scotland prepared to make a. similar statement to that made by the Parliamentary Secretary?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

As regards Scotland, questions should be addressed to the Scottish Board of Agriculture.

Major WOOD

If my hon. and gallant Friend has no better solution to propose, will he do all in his power to give facilities to secure that the Bill standing in the name of my hon. and learned Friend the Member for East Grinstead should be passed into law?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I have said we are considering the best method of dealing with it. That may be one method of dealing with it, and it will be considered.