99. Major C. LOWTHERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, according to a survey taken in the 12th year of Queen Elizabeth's reign by the direction of Her Majesty, there is a custom in the manor of Holm Cultram, Cumberland, which directs that every tenant appointed by the jury or collector for his turn for the year be the lord's grave, i.e., bailiff, and shall yearly collect and gather the rents, revenues, and issues within his charge within the said lordship, and further that tenants are liable to pay the running gressom at the end of every five years according to the ancient custom of the said lordship, 1974 which the grave has also to collect; that this custom is still in force; and whether, in view of the fact that a tenancy is rendered very irksome by the obligation to collect rents and gressom, he will introduce legislation for the compulsory enfranchisement of all lands held upon that or similar customs?
§ Major BARNSTONI have been asked to reply. There is in the Ministry of Agriculture some information as to this manor, but I cannot state whether the custom referred to is in force. The compulsory enfranchisement of copyholds is included in the Law of Property Bill, which was introduced in another place on the 8th instant.
Major LOWTHERIf I bring to the notice of my hon. and gallant Friend a case where this custom is in force, will he look into it, and see that the land is compulsorily enfranchised?
§ Major BARNSTONI will represent that to my right hon. Friend.