HC Deb 03 December 1951 vol 494 cc2175-6

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Agricultural Holdings Act (Variation of Fourth Schedule) Order, 1951, a copy of which was laid before this House on 20th November, he approved.—[Mr. Nugent.]

10.47 p.m.

Mr. A. J. Champion (Derbyshire, South-East)

While regarding this as a worth-while addition to Part II of the Fourth Schedule of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1948—as such it is acceptable to this side of the House—I should like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary one question. The Order follows the recommendation in the second report of the Committee on Agricultural Valuation, and Section 51 of the 1948 Act tells us that the value shall be calculated in accordance with such method, if any, as may be prescribed.

Does the Minister propose to prescribe the method of assessment by Regulation, and, if so—this is the point—does he accept the recommendation of the Committee, to the effect that the amount awarded per breeding sheep should not exceed 15s. per sheep or 15 per cent. Of the market price, whichever is less? Is he going to lay Regulations before the House?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. G. R. H. Nugent)

I can give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that he asks for. It is the intention of my right hon. Friend to accept the recommendations of the advisory committee, and Regulations will be laid soon after this Order has been approved. The Regulations will be subject to the negative Resolution procedure of the House, so that the hon. Gentleman will have the opportunity to study them in due course. I hope that he will be satisfied to agree to the Order now.

Question put, and agreed to.