§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many farms in Scotland provision has not been made in terms of the Government scheme request to produce as much food as possible; what is the number of holders of such farms; how many of these are the proprietors thereof; whether he will take steps to secure that these farms are either cultivated or let to some person or persons who will cultivate them in order to produce more food in accordance with the Government's scheme; and whether steps can now be taken to ensure that fair rents be asked for farms for letting in these days of national emergency?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe detailed information requested by the hon. and learned Member is not available, but I cm assure him that the Agricultural Executive Committees to whom is entrusted the duty of securing increased food production are making good progress and, in co-operation with farmers, are taking energetic and successful measures to ensure that increased cultivation is carried out wherever possible.
With regard to the last part of the Question, the rent at present obtained for a farm is that agreed upon between landlord and tenant; and both parties have rights, subject to the conditions of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Acts, to require arbitration as to a revision of the rent. As regards farms let to new tenants, the rent is also a matter of bargain between the parties concerned.