§ Mr. John GreenwayTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what stage has been reached in the discussions with the industry on the reform of agricultural tenancy legislation; and when he will lay new legislation before the House.
§ Mr. GummerThe consultations that I announced to the House on 12 February 1991,Official Report, column 391, have led to a wide measure of agreement within the industry on the principle of reform of the legislation. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I remain convinced that new simpler and leaner legislation is needed to enable farmers and landowners to adapt to changing conditions in agriculture and the economy of the countryside. We have refined our proposals in the light of the consultations and we intend to complete discussions on the outstanding points by the end of the year with a view to introducing legislation as soon as parliamentary time becomes available.