Agricultural Tenancies

HC Deb 04 February 1982 vol 17 cc532-3

13. Mr. Temple-Morris

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any plans to meet the president of the National Farmers Union to discuss agricultural tenancies.

16. Mr. Heddle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has recently received from farming and land owning organisations in connection with the current arrangements for the fixing of farm rents.

Mr. Peter Walker

The continuing decline of the tenanted sector is a matter of concern. I have received representations from a number of individuals arid organisations, including the National Farmers Union and Country Landowners Association. My colleagues and are considering what action should be taken in the future.

Mr. Temple-Morris

I am grateful to my right lion Friend for that reply, which acknowledges the decline of the tenanted sector. Does he agree that that decline is potentially dangerous? Will he therefore make it clear to the president that he will press for legislation on the matter in the next Session of Parliament? Will he use his considerable talents to press vigorously in that direction?

Mr. Walker

I shall consider the proposals that are made and have discussions with all concerned. It is important to ensure that there is permanency in landlord/tenant arrangements, which gives opportunities for young farmers in the future.

Mr. Strang

Will the Minister accept that, although the Opposition cannot support proposals that would weaken the security of the families of future tenant farmers. we are concerned about escalating farm rents? Will he consider introducing early legislation to limit the increases in farm rents, which are doing so much harm to agriculture?

Mr. Walker

I hope that, when putting forward that view, the hon. Gentleman will carefully consider the immense frustration of young potential farmers throughout the country about the lack of rented farms. The policy that says that people want lower rents and that they do not want any incentive to bring forward tenanted farms in the future is against the interests of young farmers.

Mr. Peter Mills

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, while that is an important subject, it is not at the top of the list of agricultural priorities for discussion with the President? The other subjects that he should bear in mind are the co-responsibility levy and the threat from the Community of a devaluation of the green pound. Those things would hurt British agriculture.

Mr. Walker

I am aware that a diversity of problems and anxieties affect British agriculture at any one time. I agree with my hon. Friend that the demands of the Commission concerning the green pound and the co-responsibility levy are important. However, as the Minister who tried to make the NFU and CLA come together to find a rational and sensible solution in the interests of tenants and landlords—which is important to the interests of the industry—I hope that we shall make progress in the coming year.

Mr. Hardy

Will the Minister accept that while it might be desirable for the CLA and NFU to talk about tenancy, it would be useful if they and the Minister talked seriously about the increasing and continuing scale of farm amalgamations? If he wishes to see more opportunities for young people to farm, there should be no further decline in the number of farm holdings.

Mr. Walker

That is a valid point. The two subjects are closely connected. As the hon. Gentleman knows, from his interest in the subject, when a farm becomes available to let it creates the situation that he has mentioned. I am trying to find a fair and sensible system that is good for young farmers.

Mr. Bulmer

Does my right hon. Friend agree that farmland will not be available to let in any quantity so long as whatever the Government introduce is under threat of being repealed by the Opposition if they come into Government? Is it his understanding that they wish farmland to let to go the same way as private housing to let?

Mr. Walker

I hope that all hon. Members will take into consideration the genuine aspirations of many young and able people who would like to enter farming. I hope that in doing so they will come to objective conclusions. Therefore, I welcome the leaders and spokesmen of any of the political parties talking to the young farmers and getting their views.