HC Deb 17 December 2001 vol 377 c133W
John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many farm workers and other rural tied workers have no security of tenure; [21760]

(2) what representations she has received since January on security of tenure of farm workers and other rural tied workers; and what proposals she has on this subject. [21761]

Mr. Morley

I have no information on the number of farm workers and other rural tied workers who have no security of tenure. The Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 and the Housing Act 1988 provide security of tenure for qualifying agricultural workers who pay no rent at all or only a low rent.

Most lettings by private landlords to agricultural workers and other people who pay a market rent for their property which began before 15 January 1989 are regulated tenancies under the Rent Acts. Lettings of this sort made after that date will be assured or assured shorthold tenancies under the Housing Act 1988.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received no specific representations on this subject since January. Housing legislation is primarily the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions although DEFRA is jointly responsible with DTLR for certain provisions in the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976.