§ 17. Mr. Allen McKayasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many tenant farmers have lost their farms due to the Agricultural Holdings (Notices To Quit) Act 1977 during the last 12 months.
§ Mr. WigginThe agricultural land tribunals approved 17 notices to quit under the Agricultural Holdings (Notices to Quit) Act 1977 in the 12 months ending 31 December 1980.
I regret that information about notices to quit that were not contested before an agricultural land tribunal is not available.
§ Mr. McKayDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that it is scandalous that tenant farmers can be turned off their land merely for monetary purposes? Will he ask his right hon. Friend to consider the case in my constituency involving James Clegg, who will increase the statistics this year by one because he will be turned off his land as a result of the 1977 Act? Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is time for the Act to be reconsidered?
§ Mr. WigginThe Act was put on the statute book when the Labour Government were in office. I do not wish to 423 become involved in an argument about the rights and wrongs of the Act. We are satisfied that the proper procedures were followed in the case that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. We cannot have a replay in the House of all tribunal decisions.
§ Mr. MylesDoes my hon. Friend agree that measures taken by our right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget will help to increase the availability of farms to rent?
§ Mr. WigginHaving been responsible for moving amendments to that effect when the Labour Government were in office, I am delighted with my right hon. and learned Friend's proposals. I agree with my hon. Friend that they will help the rented sector considerably.