HC Deb 07 April 1976 vol 909 cc421-2
23. Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to introduce legislation abolishing the agricultural tied cottage.

Mr. Crosland

Next week.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

What day next week—and, indeed, at what time? Will my right hon. Friend accept that his announcement will be broadly welcomed by agricultural workers throughout the country? Will he confirm that the Bill will contain provisions giving to those workers the full protection of the Rent Acts and will not be a shoddy compromise with agricultural interests?

Mr. Crosland

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his congratulations to us on, I hope, solving a problem that has bedevilled the agriculture industry, not for years but for decades.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Rubbish.

Mr. Crosland

In reply to the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I must inform him that my Department never under any circumstances introduces shoddy compromises.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Is the Secretary of State aware that the agricultural tied house has been part of the rural scene for many years and has contributed tremendously to the success of British agriculture? What is the NFU's attitude to the Government's proposals? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that restrictions on agricultural tied houses will be particularly damaging to the dairy and livestock industries?

Mr. Crosland

There have been full consultations with all interested parties. I ask the hon. Gentleman to await the text of the Bill. I hope that in the meantime he will not make alarmist statements.

Miss Maynard

Will my right hon. Friend say whether the Bill will dissociate a farm worker's employment from his home? Does he agree that it is quite unacceptable that any man's home should depend on his job? Finally, does he agree that farm workers are particularly vulnerable when that kind of situation exists, as was demonstrated only two days ago by the eviction of a man, his wife and family?

Mr. Crosland

I agree with my lion. Friend's sentiments. I assure her that the Bill has been drawn up in the closest consultation with the NFU and with the union of which my hon. Friend is so distinguished an ornament.