§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyteasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the statement issued by his Department, in which it was suggested that farmers should start ploughing up permanent pastures forthwith, it is his intention to consider the provisions in farm agreements, which in the interests of good husbandry require the consent of the landowners to such ploughing up?
§ Mr. RamsbothamMy right hon. Friend is glad to have the opportunity of removing any misapprehensions that may exist in this matter. It is not intended in connection with the proposals for ploughing up permanent grassland during the summer of the present year to seek to set aside any provisions in farm agreements which require the prior consent of the landowner before such land is broken up. The Government are confident, however, that the consent of landowners will be readily granted in all cases where ploughing up and re-seeding would be to the advantage of the land.