§ 32. Sir HENRY CAUTLEYasked the Minister of Agriculture for how many of the farms on the Sunk Island or other Crown properties in the East Riding of Yorkshire notice to quit has been given; when do such notices expire; what are the rentals per acre of such farms; and are any of them now vacant or being farmed by the Ministry, or does he contemplate farming any of them?
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE and FISHERIES (Mr. Guinness)Notices to quit have been received from the tenants of seven farms on the Crown estates in the East Riding. Three of the notices expire to-morrow and four on 5th April, 1929. The rentals of the farms per acre are, respectively, 35s., 33s. 8d., 33s., 29s., 28s., 23s. 4d. and 21s. 8d. As regards the three cases in which the notices expire to-morrow, one tenant has agreed to re-hire his farm and the other two farms will be taken in hand by the Commissioners of Crown Lands until such time as they can be re-let.
§ Sir H. CAUTLEYIs it not a fact that these farms contain some of the best farming land in that part of England, and that the throwing up of these farms 1963 shows the terrible state of agriculture and that it is absolutely necessary that the Government should do something to give the farmers some immediate relief?
Mr. GUINNESSI do not know that that conclusion can necessarily be based on these particular cases in which notice to quit has been given to the Commissioners. One notice has been given by the executors of a tenant who has died, two men have had to give up their farms on account of ill-health, and two other farms have been given up by men farming other land in the district but who do not reside on the Crown estate.
§ Sir H. CAUTLEYDo I understand that no new tenants have applied for these farms?
Mr. GUINNESSThey are large farms and, as my hon. and learned Friend knows, it is that class of farms which it is just now difficult to let, but we do not anticipate that we shall be unable to let them eventually.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSAre we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that the real explanation of the loss of these five tenants is not agricultural depression as stated by the hon. and learned Member?
Mr. GUINNESSNo, I am quite sure that agricultural depression must enter into consideration with many farmers, but, as I informed the House, there are special circumstances applying to five of these cases.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWas not this land previously farmed by the Ministry for training purposes?
§ Mr. E. BROWNIs not one of the circumstances the lack of rural housing on these large farms in Yorkshire?