HC Deb 02 April 1912 vol 36 cc1148-9W
Viscount WOLMER

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Report of the Departmental Committee on the position of tenant farmers on the occasion of any change in the ownership of their holdings?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. My Noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board will introduce a Bill in the other House in the near future to carry out such of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee as the Government wishes to see translated into law.

Mr. RENDALL

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the East Stour Small Holdings Association is charged by the Dorset County Council practically as much rent for 98½ acres of land, the worst part of Hunger Hill Farm, East Stour, as the previous tenant paid for the whole farm of 179 acres; whether, in addition, they have to pay a sum of 23s. per acre or thereabouts as compensation to the previous tenant, on the portion rented by them, for manures, etc., whilst two other tenants renting direct from the landlord forty-eight acres of the same farm have had little or no compensation to pay; whether he is aware that the small holders assert that the whole of the manure made during the last two years of the previous tenancy, excepting about ten loads, was carted off the portion of the farm they rent on to other portions of the farm not rented by them; will he say whether he will have an inquiry held by an officer of the Board into this matter to ascertain the facts?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am not in possession of all the information necessary for a full reply to this question, but I am making inquiries. Perhaps my hon. Friend would be good enough to postpone the question for a week.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state what action the Government has taken or intends to take in regard to the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the position of tenant farmers and the acquisition of their holdings?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have just given to the Noble Lord the Member for the Newton Division of Lancashire (Viscount Wolmer).