§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list his statutory powers to limit increases in agricultural rents in Scotland;
(2) if he will take steps to limit the increase in agricultural rents in Scotland.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownMy right hon. Friend's only statutory responsibility in relation to agricultural rents is the power, on request by either landlord or tenant, to appoint an arbiter to fix the rent in accordance with the statutory provisions contained in the Agricultural Holdings Acts. In determining the rent, including any increase, an arbiter must have regard to the criterion which is laid down in the Acts, that the rent shall be the rent at which the holding might reasonably be expected to be let on the open market by a willing landlord to a willing tenant.