§ 36. Mr. Hamlingasked 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 ThomsonThe 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. HamlingCan my right hon. Friend say by what rate rents have increased in the last five years?
§ Mr. ThomsonThe 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.