asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that landowners in many parts of the country are demanding big increases in rents from farmers, which may lead to increased prices for produce; and what steps does the Government contemplate taking to prevent landowners demanding increases in rent?

Farm rents under existing tenancy contracts are not subject to revision except by agreement between the parties, or as the result of arbitration under Section 12 of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1923. In the case of a fresh contract the rent to be paid is a matter for arrangement between the parties. I have heard of some isolated cases of increased rents, but I have no general information on the point.

May I ask the Minister whether he has not seen the reports in the Press of these cases, and surely it is an illustration of where the landlords—

rose.