Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward proposals to implement the recommendation of the Tenancy Reform Industry Group made in October 2017 to allow tenants under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 to have the statutory right to assign those tenancies to assist with retirement and restructuring.

The government is committed to supporting a vibrant tenant farming sector which creates opportunities for new entrants to the industry. Last year I asked the Tenancy Reform Industry Group to give an opinion on a range of issues. This included giving consideration to how Defra might make greater use of its powers under the 1970 Agriculture Act. I have received their report and we are considering these matters further.