§ 51. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Agriculture in view of his inability to consult the Inland Revenue Department as to the names and addresses of farmers who have consistently farmed at a loss, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that no farmer who can prove that he has farmed profitably shall be dispossessed of his farm.
§ Sir T. DugdaleIn determining whether an occupier of a farm should be dispossessed under Part II of the Agriculture Act, 1947, I must have regard to the rules of good husbandry. I feel sure that those occupiers who are obtaining a reasonable return from farming, while maintaining the value of their land, will at the same time be fulfilling their responsibilities under the rules of good husbandry.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill not the Minister introduce legislation so as to enable farmers who are threatened with dispossession to appeal on points of fact to a traditional court of English law?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThat is an entirely different question. An appeal on a point of law is provided for the farmer in the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, now in another place.
§ 52. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Agriculture in view of his decision that efficient farming means farming at a profit, what instructions he proposes to give to agricultural executive committees to help them to judge by inspection whether a farmer is making a profit or a loss.
§ Sir T. DugdaleNo instructions are required. County agricultural executive committees are, in the light of the practical experience of their members, well able to judge whether an occupier of agricultural land is complying with the rules of good husbandry.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs my right hon. Friend aware that the many letters which I have sent to him prove that many of these inspections are nothing short of a farce?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI do not accept that at all. Agricultural committees consist of experienced farmers who know the industry and are extremely careful in their work.