§ 49. Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to prevent a landlord either during or at the change of tenancy charging an increased rent for land on which residual values still exist for slag, lime, drainage and ploughing-up subsidies?
§ The First Commissioner of Works (Mr. Ramsbotham)I have been asked to reply. The rent payable for an agricultural holding is determined by the terms of the contract of tenancy, subject to any change that may be mutually agreed upon between the parties concerned. Under the provisions of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1923, however, either the landlord or the tenant may make a demand for arbitration as to the rent to be paid for the holding as from the next ensuing date at which the tenancy could have been terminated by notice to quit given by the landlord, or tenant, respectively, at the date of the demand. If the demand is agreed to, the question as to the rent is referred to arbitration.
The Act also provides that, in determining what rent is properly payable for the holding, an arbitrator shall not take into account any increase in the rental value which is due to improvements executed wholly or partly by, and at the 949 expense of, the tenant. I am advised that such improvements would include the residual values to which the hon. Member refers. The question of the rent to be paid on a change of tenancy of a holding is one for agreement between the landlord and the incoming tenant.
§ Mr. MorganDoes that answer include the undertaking given by the Minister last night that an attempt will be made to prevent a landlord taking up a subsidy granted by Parliament?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI have not the words of the undertaking before me, but I think the answer I have given meets the hon. Member's point.