HC Deb 06 July 1876 vol 230 cc1126-7

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [8th June], "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(The Lord Advocate.)

Question again proposed.

Debate resumed.

MR. RAMSAY

remarked that nearly all the tenants in Scotland held their farms under leases, and the Bill had no reference to leaseholds. The measure contained some good things, but they were very infinitesimal. There was no great call for legislation on this subject at all, and in any case he protested against such a Bill being taken up at 1 o'clock.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Ramsay.)

THE LORD ADVOCATE

said, he had not thought it necessary to make any statement in regard to this Bill, because it exactly followed the precedent of the English Bill of last Session, which was now the law of the land. Besides, the Bill had received the assent of the House of Lords. He quite admitted that there were some questions of difficulty connected with the details, arising from the limited extent of holdings in Scotland, but these could only be dealt with in Committee, and as the Bill admittedly contained some good things, and was an unopposed measure, he hoped the second reading would now be agreed to. He could assure the hon. Member that if he had any Amendments in Committee they would receive the attention of the Government.

MR. BIGGAR

supported the Adjournment of the Debate, as there were few Scotch Members present, and it was 1 o'clock in the morning.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

thought it rather hard, considering the period of the Session and the appeals which had been made to the Government to makeprogress with Scotch Business, that they should not be allowed to proceed with this measure.

MR. ANDERSON

said, Scotland was happy to have the advocacy of the hon. Member (Mr. Biggar) in the absence of Scotch Members, but he had no doubt the Scotch Members would have been in their places had they entertained any very strong objection to the Bill.

Question put, and negatived.

Original Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday next.