§ 72. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture if care is taken that in all cases of land allotted to ex-service men with Government assistance the rents are not increased above those charged to the former tenants; and, if cases of such increases are brought to his notice, will he take action?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe rents of all holdings let by councils to ex-service men under the Government Land Settlement Scheme are submitted by the council to the Ministry's district commissioner for his approval. The rents must in every case be fair rents, having regard to the present value of the land in small holdings. I do not consider, however, that the rents which were payable in respect of the land when let as large farms would be a proper basis for fixing the rents of the small holdings, especially when cottages and farm buildings have been added. In reply to the last part of the question, I am always prepared to consider any representations made by ex-service men as to the rents charged for their holdings.