§ Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain tenants on the Nannan estate, county of Merioneth, have been requested, under threat of notice to quit, to sign new agreements of tenancy, undertaking in case the house and buildings are condemned by the sanitary authority under the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1909, to put the house and buildings in repair at their own expense or in default to quit the holding within six months; and whether, in view of the fact that the liability under the said Act is that of the landlord and that there is need to increase the food supply of the country, he will cause steps to be taken to prevent the disturbance of the tenants?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe Board have seen the new clauses in the agreements of tenancy to which my hon. Friend refers. They are unusual and seem likely to cause unrest among the tenants. This is particularly to be deprecated at the present time when farmers should be able to concentrate their whole energy upon food production. I hope that the publicity given to the matter may lead to immediate adjustment, but should it not the Board will have inquiry made with a view to action being taken.