Agricultural Tenancies

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 8 March 1976.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Caerwyn Roderick Mr Caerwyn Roderick , Brecon and Radnor 12:00, 8 March 1976

I invite the right hon. Gentleman to examine the situation in my area. I am giving the House the evidence that has been presented to me.

Opposition Members say that the landlord-tenant relationship has been good. They say that in most instances landlords are sympathetic. I agree that they are in most cases, but are the Opposition saying that we do not need to legislate for the remaining cases? The argument that generally people behave responsibly, wisely and sensibly is true in most walks of life, but according to the Opposition's thesis it is not necessary to legislate on anything, merely to accept that everyone is sensible. We are legislating because certain people do not behave sensibly.

If the Opposition are so concerned about local authority smallholdings and the Minister's smallholdings, I invite them to table amendments. If they do so, they may enjoy a measure of support from some of my hon. Friends.

It is not true to suggest that we have plenty of farms coming on to the market. There is a shortage of tenant farms, and I hope that we shall afford a certain degree of protection by this legislation for those who are well acquainted with such farms. I hope that it will be accepted in principle.