asked the Minister of Works whether a farmer is relieved of the rent of that part of his farm on which prospecting for the purpose of working coal by open-cast mining is being carried on; or whether he is only relieved of the rent after his land has been requisitioned.

The position is governed by the Compensation (Defence) Act, 1939, of which I am sending my hon. Friend the relevant extracts.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say when a farmer is relieved of the rent?

I think it is a legal point, and I would not like to attempt to interpret the law.

Can the Minister say whether the farmer will have to interpret it, or whether he has to go on paying rent?