§ 47. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Agriculture, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the advantages accruing to the farmer as a result of the stabilisation of prices recently announced are not absorbed by increases in rent and in the price of land?
Mr. HudsonI would invite the attention of the hon. Member to the statement which I made to the House on nth November, indicating the steps that were being taken to protect tenant farmers from exploitation as a result of speculative dealings in agricultural land. Rents under existing tenancy contracts are not subject to revision except by agreement between the parties, or as the result of arbitration under Section 12 of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1923.
§ Mr. StokesIs not my right hon. Friend aware that so long as his right hon. Friend the Chancellor excludes rent from Excess Profits Tax, landlords will always be able to filch from the farmer what is intended for his benefit?