§ 1. Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he is having concerning the tenure of service cottages in the agricultural industry.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Gavin Strang)There has been a series of discussions at Ministerial and official level following publication by my right hon. Friends last August of the consultative document and these discussions will continue as necessary for purposes of preparing the related legislation.
§ Mr. RentonAfter all his consultations does the Minister now accept that in farming, especially dairy farming, certain houses have to be tied to certain jobs? To relieve the fear of homeless-ness, will he consider a system of licensing essential agricultural service homes, in co-operation with the responsible local authority, to provide replacement housing on job loss or retirement?
§ Mr. StrangIf the hon Gentleman has read our consultative document, he will recognise that we accept that there are circumstances in which it is right and appropriate that farm workers should live either on or in the vicinity of the farm where they work. I have made it absolutely clear that "abolition" does not mean "demolition".
§ Miss MaynardDoes my hon. Friend agree that no one's home should depend on his job and that security of tenure is as important to farm workers as it is to tenant farmers and their nearest relative?
§ Mr. StrangI agree absolutely with my hon. Friend. It is interesting to note that the latest report, which was sponsored by the Milk Marketing Board—I do not agree with all its contents—brought out the fundamental feature of the system—namely, the insecurity and the fear of the threat of eviction which particularly affects older workers.
§ Mr. CormackIs not the Minister aware that there are many agricultural workers, including members of the union, who believe that tied cottages should remain? Will he have proper consultations with an open mind and not merely bow to the blandishments of his hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Bright-side (Miss Maynard)?
§ Mr. StrangI have met many farm workers, but I have yet to meet one who is opposed to what the Government intend to achieve in this respect. However, I am conscious that there has been a great deal of misrepresentation, not all of it deliberate, in the Press in connection with this matter and that it has led a number of farm workers to believe that "abolition" means "demolition."