To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with Gloucestershire County Council on its decision to review each tenancy on its farm estate as they become available; and if he will make a statement. (101451)

There have not been any discussions between Gloucestershire county council and DEFRA on its decision to review tenancies as they become available.

The Agriculture Act 1970 provides the statutory framework for the operation of county farm estates. Under the Act, the day to day management of estates is the responsibility of local authorities. Local authorities have a duty to manage their estates in the best interests of all their tax payers.