§ Mr. TOOTILLasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that land at Needham Market, Suffolk, which has been used as allotments for over sixty years, and which was part of the Barking Hall estate, has changed hands and the new owner has given the tenants notice to increase the rent by 6d. per rod per year; whether he is aware that without the increase the tenants are paying £2 12s. per acre whilst farmers in the neighbourhood pay no more than £l per acre; and whether he will take steps, legislatively or otherwise, to stop the exploitation of small holders who are contributing in the producion of food?
§ Sir R. WINFREYThe Board are aware of the sale of the Barking Hall estate, but they have no special information as to the allotments on the estate or the rise in rents. The Board have no power to take the action suggested by the hon. Member, and the President is not prepared to introduce legislation providing for the control of rents by the Government.