HC Deb 18 June 1953 vol 516 cc1170-1
25 and 26. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) how many farmers in England, excluding Wales, are owners and tenant-farmers, respectively; and the comparable figures in 1920 and in 1930;

(2) how many Welsh farmers are owners and tenant-farmers, respectively; and the comparable figures in 1920 and in 1930.

The Minister of Agriculture (Sir Thomas Dugdale)

In 1950, the last year for which information is available, the proportion of owner-occupied agricultural holdings was about 42 per cent. and the proportion of tenant farmers about 58 per cent., both in England and in Wales. Comparable information is not available for 1920 or 1930, but there are indications that the proportion of owner-occupancy both in England and in Wales has been increasing slowly.

Mr. Bowen

Can the right hon. Gentleman give separate figures for England and separate figures for Wales?

Sir T. Dugdale

No, Sir, but the trend is as stated in my answer. It is very difficult to give definite figures. These percentages are only trends, and are the only figures available.

Mr. T. Williams

Is it not the case that the number of owner-occupiers has increased since the application of the successful agricultural policy of the Labour Government?

Sir T. Dugdale

I do not think it has anything to do with any particular Government's policy. I think the trend has recently been towards owner-occupancy.