§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will seek to amend tenancy legislation in the Principality in order to give young interested farming people a better chance of starting farming in an independent manner; if he will seek to facilitate the sale by county councils of smallholdings; and if he will study the possibility of shared farming on the Australasian style where each individual needs less capital.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThere is no general consensus of opinion as to what changes are necessary to improve opportunities for young entrants to the farming industry. However, my ministerial colleagues and I are considering what action, if any, should be taken having regard to the NFU/CLA proposals and to various other representations made to us on amending the agricultural holdings legislation.
There is currently nothing to prevent smallholdings authorities from selling their smallholdings as they think fit.
Share-cropping is an interesting innovation that is capable of being established in this country under the existing legislation.