§ Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are contemplated for the prevention of a rise in agricultural rents during the period of the war?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe effect of Section 12 of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1923, is to make it necessary that any demand for an increase of rent of an ordinary agricultural holding where not mutually agreed upon, shall be referred to arbitration. The alteration of rent demanded must date from the next ensuing date at which the tenancy could have been terminated by notice to quit given at the date of the demand, so that it cannot in any case come into operation until after 12 months from the demand. In these circumstances no immediate steps appear to be necessary to prevent an unjustified rise in agricultural rents, but the position will be kept under review.