HL Deb 23 July 1980 vol 412 cc500-1WA
The Earl of HARROWBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether in the case of the proposed sale of Government land at Laxton in Nottinghamshire, they will make it a condition of purchase that the area of some 500 acres (included in the larger sale) which has great archaeological and historical interest is maintained in its present condition for all time since this represents "the sole example of the ancient field system of farming."

Earl FERRERS

The ancient open field system is currently administered voluntarily by the tenants who have clearly indicated a wish for it to continue. My department will take every possible step to ensure that any purchaser continues the system. For this reason the sale is being treated as a special case and the estate will only be offered to those able to give the necessary assurances about the future of the system and the welfare of the tenants.