§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is possible for county councils to grant leases other than annual leases to their tenants on their small holdings; whether any leases of small holdings to substantial men have been made for a term of years or for lives, and in what counties; and whether, in order to encourage fixity of tenure and that best development of the land which comes from 2069W fixity of tenure, he will issue a circular to county councils suggesting that leases for periods longer than one year might be granted in approved cases?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The county councils for Beds, Berks, Cornwall, Cumberland, Huntingdon, Kent, Leicester, Lincoln (Kesteven), Norfolk, Northampton, Somerset, Southampton, and Westmoreland have granted leases for terms of years, and probably other counties as well. I am not aware that any tenancies for life have been arranged. We will take an early opportunity of reminding county councils of their powers in this matter.
Mr. WEDGWOOD alsoasked whether attention has been called to a clause in the leases made by certain county councils to their small holders, which says that the tenant may not underlet any part of the holding; whether such a clause is adopted by all county councils; why it has been inserted; and, if in accordance with the Small Holdings Act of 1908, under what clause in that Act?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYA small holding is usually let by a county council subject to the condition that the tenant shall not underlet, assign or part with the possession of the holding or any part of it without the written consent of the council. Such a covenant is necessary in order,inter alia, to secure compliance with the requirements of Section 10 (1) (c) and Section 12 (1) (c) and (8) of the Act of 1908.
Mr. WEDGWOOD furtherasked whether attention has been called to a clause in the leases granted by certain county councils to their small holders, which says that the tenant may not take in cattle or other stock to keep; whether such a clause is universally adopted by county councils; why it k adopted; and, if in accordance with the Small Holdings Act of 1908, under what clause in that Act?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYOne such case has recently been brought to the notice of the Board. Inquiry is being made respecting it, the result of which I will communicate to my hon. Friend.