§ 27. Mr. John Ellisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received regarding the situation since the Labour Government abolished the tied cottage ; and how many cases have been referred to the advisory committees as cottages necessary for agricultural purposes and with what result.
§ Mr. StrangAll the information reaching me indicates that this new legislation is generally working well. My right hon. Friend the Minister and I have received some representations, for example, to extend the protection which it offers to workers at present excluded and to widen the membership of the panels from which agricultural dwelling-house advisory committee chairmen are drawn.
Between 1st January 1977 when the Act came into force and 30th September 1,603 cases had been referred to advisory committees in England ; 295 had been withdrawn 266W and 52 were waiting to be dealt with. Out of the 1,256 remaining cases housing authorities were advised there was agricultural need, with varying degrees of urgency, in 1,135.