HC Deb 03 March 1932 vol 262 cc1272-3
68. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed to protect the wheat-growing farmer on a yearly short-term tenancy from losing the benefits conferred by subsidy under the Wheat Bill through increases of rent?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The effect of Section 12 of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1923, is to give a certain measure of protection to a tenant against an arbitrary increase of rent by a landlord, and I do not consider that any special protection will be necessary in the case of a farmer who grows wheat.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Act referred to has been wholly ineffective, and does he not think he ought to take step's to deal with the matter?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have no evidence of that kind.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Is it not true that agricultural landlords have been more considerate than any other class of landlords?