HC Deb 28 February 1968 vol 759 cc1378-9
3. Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of his tenants in the County of Holland have full-time agricultural holdings of less than 20 acres.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)

93.

Mr. Body

As the Wise Report recommended that these 93 holdings should no longer be regarded as viable, would not the hon. Gentleman agree that less hardship would be caused to the tenants if they could become part-time holdings?

Mr. Mackie

I know the hon. Gentleman's interest in this matter but we are trying to get these holdings amalgamated into bigger units in due course, and if we make them part-time or allow the holders to have outside holdings, this will inhibit the move towards amalgamation.