§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many farm workers were rehoused under the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 during its first year of operation.
§ Mr. ArmstrongOver 650 farm workers or ex-workers were rehoused by local authorities in 1977 without going through the courts. The number of applications received from employers during the year was just under 1,200. This is not appreciably different from the rate at which possession orders were previously granted against occupiers of agricultural tied cottages. Detailed results for the period 1st January to 31st December 1977 have been published today and a copy has been placed in the library. The Act appears to be working very smoothly and I am grateful to local authorities for their co-operation.