48. Major Braithwaiteasked the Minister of Agriculture, on what grounds Mr. Mason, of Wharram Percy, Malton, was forcibly ejected from his farm at Birds all, on Saturday, 14th June; how much land was in cultivation on this farm; what stock was on the farm; what order made by the war agriculture committee Mr. Mason has not carried out; and to whom the farm has been let, and at what rental?
Mr. HudsonMr. Mason was ejected from his holding for failing to comply with an order of the East Riding War Agricultural Executive Committee directing him to give up possession of the holding on 15th May, in consequence of the termination of his tenancy under Regulation 62 of the Defence Regulations. All the land on the holding was under cultivation, but a considerable acreage was unsatisfactory. The stock on the holding, which is 880 acres in extent, comprised about 400 sheep, seven horses, 10 cows and 20 store cattle. Some of these were not Mr. Mason's property. Orders of the committee giving directions to Mr. Mason as to manuring the land were not complied with. The farm has been let to Mr. Lister at a rent of £200 a year rising to £400 a year. I naturally regret the necessity for the action taken in this case, but I am satisfied that in the national interest no other course was open to the East Riding War Agricultural Executive Committee.
Major BraithwaiteCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House if the new tenant is in possession of Mr. Mason's stock, implements, crops and furniture?
Mr. HudsonNo, Sir. But I am quite sure that the war agricultural committee are taking steps to see that the farm is properly cultivated.
Major BraithwaiteWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is fair that the war agricultural committee should inspect a man's farm as late in the year as 10th May, and then turn him out in a season when nobody else can get any further production, and thus denude the industry of five skilled agriculturists?
Mr. HudsonI cannot accept the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion. I have personally investigated this case on more 1108 than one occasion, and I am satisfied that the war agricultural committee were fully satisfied that if they had not taken. such action there would have been a bad effect on food production. I am not prepared to reconsider the matter.
§ Mr. GranvilleMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether this farmer was actually evicted from his home, and further whether he was given an opportunity to continue to work in some capacity upon this farm?
Mr. HudsonHe has certainly been evicted from the house, because it is ' required for the new tenant. As regards what he is going to do in the future, I do not know.