HC Deb 03 May 1967 vol 746 cc63-4W
31. Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the principles on which existing tenants of his Department's smallholdings are granted the tenancy of further land held by the Minister, or permitted to acquire additional tenancies elsewhere.

Mr. John Mackie

The smaller holdings on the farm settlement estates are being regrouped and amalgamated as and when opportunity arises. Tenants may apply for the tenancy of larger holdings when vacancies occur. To allow them to combine their farm settlement holdings with outside tenancies would tend to perpetuate the existing structure and delay amalgamation.