asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the terms of reference of the committee set up by him to investigate the purchase of farm land by institutions and foreigners; when he expects to receive the committee's findings; and if he will make a statement.

The committee's terms of reference are

"to examine recent trends in agricultural land acquisition and occupancy as they affect the structure of the agricultural industry; and to report".

The committee has now begun its work and has invited evidence from a wide range of interests concerned with the subject of the inquiry. My right hon. Friend the Minister expects the inquiry to take between six and nine months.