§ 3. Mr. Milneasked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the anomalies in different restrictive covenants and differing rent standards existing in connection with farmland held by the National Coal Board; and if he will introduce legislation to remove these anomalies.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. Reginald Freeson)The rents and conditions of tenure of National Coal Board farms are matters for the Board as managers of the industry. I see no reason to intervene.
§ Mr. MilneIs my hon. Friend aware that that reply is extremely disappointing in view of the anomalies throughout the country, particularly in Northumberland, where one large tenant, Northumbria Farms Ltd., rents land at about 25s. an acre, while smaller farmers have to pay much more? Is he not aware that it is time these anomalies were ironed out?
§ Mr. FreesonMy hon. Friend will appreciate that, in matters like this, tenancy agreements relating particularly to rents will depend largely on the negotiations over variations in the quality of land. If it is felt that there are particular points on which the Ministry might refer matters to the N.C.B. for consideration, we shall be only too glad to receive details.