HC Deb 25 July 1955 vol 544 c796
8. Mr. Mitchison

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that Mr. Blaxley, tenant of what remains of Eastfield Farm, Rushton, Northamptonshire, has had to quit SO acres of his farm and will shortly have to quit the remaining 60 acres in order to allow ironstone working, and that he is unable to get possession of Langton Farm, Isham, which he has bought to replace Eastfield Farm; and what steps he proposes to take to avoid the hardship caused to farmers by dispossession for ironstone working and to assist them to farm elsewhere.

Mr. Amory

I am aware of the facts of this case. I understand that the tenant is being required to give up the land in accordance with the terms of his tenancy agreement. I have no powers that would enable me to avoid any hardship caused in such cases or to assist those concerned to farm elsewhere.

Mr. Mitchison

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter generally and see whether he can do anything to help these farmers who are being turned out on a rather large scale for the purpose of ironstone working?

Mr. Amory

I will certainly look into the matter, as the hon. and learned Member suggests, but I think he would agree that in most cases there were definite provisions in the lease to cover the eventuality of the land being required for ironstone working.