§ 33. Mr. Bodyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he opposes tenants of his smallholdings acquiring a tenancy of a nearby smallholding owned privately or by a county council, although the two holdings together would make an economic farm.
§ Mr. John MackieI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question of 3rd May list.—[Vol. 746, c. 63–4.]
§ Mr. BodyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will cause no satisfaction to some of his tenants in the County of Holland who are trying to make a livelihood off 10 acres? Is not this one more reason why the Minister should visit the 271 tenants that he has in the County of Holland?
§ Mr. MackieI have crossed swords with the hon. Member on this subject before. I am afraid that the answer is the same. The tenants sign an agreement not to take land from outside the estate. Our policy of amalgamations would be stultified if we were to allow this and I think that the hon. Member knows this only too well.