§ 44. Sir H. CAUTLEYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, seeing that the Crown farm of 400 acres at Swine, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is now untenanted, and, if so, what reason was given by the late tenant for giving it up has the Ministry tried to re-let the farm, at what rent, and with what result; and whether he is aware that the arable land on the farm is now derelict to the extent that not a furrow has yet been ploughed for spring corn or the summer following?
Mr. GUINNESSNo farm on the Crown's Swine estate is untenanted. If my hon. and learned Friend refers to Abbey Garth Farm, Swine, I should explain that this farm has been re-let at a rent of £515 per annum from 5th April next, when the present tenant is giving up, I understand for reasons of age and ill-health. This farm is generally in very good condition and arrangements are being made between the in-going and out-going tenants for carrying out spring cultivations.
§ Mr. MACKINDERWhat is the acreage?
Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that there are thousands of acres of land privately owned which have been allowed to go derelict at the will of the private owner during the past few years?