HC Deb 05 December 1966 vol 737 c942
36. Mr. Hamling

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what policy has been implemented on rent increases for farms in the jurisdiction of the Duchy within the last year.

Mr. George Thomson

The Duchy is acting in accordance with the line recommended by the Government in connection with its prices and incomes policy. No rent increase will be payable if it accrues within the standstill period or the period of severe restraint.

Mr. Hamling

Can my right hon. Friend say by what rate rents have increased in the last five years?

Mr. Thomson

The average increase in rents has been between one-quarter and one-third. That is over a five-year period and works out at an average increase of about 3 per cent. per annum. I ought to add that between 1870 and 1949 Duchy rents were frozen almost completely.