§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those housing authorities which are refusing to provide accommodation for agricultural tenants who are required to surrender agricultural tenancies and are eligible for rehousing by local authorities.
§ Mr. ArmstrongWe do not have such information. The Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 requires that if a local authority is satisfied that an application for rehousing is substantiated, it must use its best endeavours to provide suitable alternative accommodation. If it is not so satisfied, it must state its reasons. In assessing the priority to be given to meet the applicant's case, the authority is required to take into account the urgency of the case, the competing claims on the accommodation it can provide, and the resources at its disposal. Legal remedies are open to an applicant who considers that an authority is in breach of its statutory duty.