Agricultural Holdings Act

HC Deb 10 February 1958 vol 582 cc12-3

18. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has held regarding his proposals to amend the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1948.

Mr. Godber

My Department has consulted the National Farmers' Union, the Country Landowners' Association, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the Land Agents' Society, the Chartered Auctioneers' and Estate Agents' Institute, and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Mr. Willey

As the Department has been unable to get agreement, will the Joint Parliamentary Secretary see that these discussions are pursued?

Mr. Godber

We have been having considerable discussions, and on some of these matters I am hopeful that we shall have agreement.

Mr. T. Williams

Does the Joint Parliamentary Secretary or his right hon. Friend ever consult the National Union of Agricultural Workers before negotiating these agreements?

Mr. Godber

Yes, indeed, but this was in relation to the 1948 Act—a landlord and tenant Act—and we did not feel that it would be appropriate to do so, as the workers were not directly concerned.