COMMONS AMENDMENT (Hansard, 7 August 1972)

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 17. If I may, I would speak to Amendments Nos. 25, 26 and 29 at the same time. The new clause, which covers Great Britain, removes the requirement that orders for possession of redundant farmhouses which are let on regulated tenancies must be applied for within five years from the date on which the last "agricultural" tenant vacated the farmhouse.

The particular provision to which the new clause is directed could, I am advised, create problems in the efficient use of agricultural land. I emphasise that care has been taken in this Amendment to preserve the really important protective measures for tenants. Regulated tenancies entered into before the commencement of the Act will be unaffected. Orders for possession cannot be granted by the courts if the tenant, or his widow, was or had been responsible for the farming of the land, or had been employed in agriculture by the landlord; if the tenancy was preceded by an amalgamation under Section 26 of the Agriculture Act 1967; unless the farmhouse is required for occupation in connection with the farming of the land; and finally, unless notice that repossession might be required was given before or when the regulated tenancy was created. The highly important safeguards which now exist are all preserved by this clause. It may appear to deal with a rather insignificant matter, but it would remove what could be an obstacle to the efficient farming of a block of land. I beg to move.