HC Deb 19 November 1953 vol 520 c182W
78. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will introduce legislation which will enable dispossessed farmers to appeal to a traditional court of English law on points of fact and of merit.

90. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will take steps to give to all farmers threatened with eviction on grounds of inefficiency the final right of appeal to a properly constituted and traditional court of law.

Sir T. Dugdale

No. I consider that the Agricultural Land Tribunals constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Agriculture Act, 1947, are the most suitable bodies to hear appeals in such cases. I am supported in this view by the national organisations representing owners and occupiers of agricultural land. I hope, however, to introduce legislation during the course of this Session to give these tribunals the power, and in certain circumstances the duty, of stating a case to the High Court for determination of any point of law arising on the proceedings before them.