HC Deb 09 July 1888 vol 328 cc850-1

Motion made, and Question proposed, That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the facilities which exist for the creation of small holdings in land in Great Britain; whether, either in connection with an improved system of Local Government or other-wise, those facilities may be extended; whether in recent years there has been any diminution in the number of small owners and cultivators of land; and whether there is any evidence to show that such diminution is due to legislation."—(Mr. Akers-Douglas.)

MR. ANDERSON (Elgin and Nairn)

said, that among the Members nominated for this Committee, the Scotch constituencies were not fairly represented. Could not an addition be made from Scotch County Members?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS) (Kent, St. Augustine's)

said, it would be inconvenient to increase the number beyond 17. The Committee had been struck in the ordinary way, nominations from the other side being made by his hon. Friend the Member for East Nottingham (Mr. Arnold Morley).

DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)

said, there was a total absence of the names of Irish Members. Surely the hon. Gentleman would not pursue a Separatist policy?

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

said, he must refer the hon. Member to the hon. Member for East Nottingham. For his own part, he wished Irish Members to be included; but the names of certain Scotch Gentlemen were substituted.

MR. ARNOLD MORLEY (Nottingham, E.)

said, that was so. But perhaps if his hon. Friend would put off the appointment of the Committee the matter might be arranged.

MR. ANDERSON

hoped there would be an arrangement to include Scotch County Members. Only two Scotch Borough Members had been nominated, none representing counties or the Northern part of Scotland.

DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeen, W.)

joined in the protest of his hon. Friend. It was a monstrous thing that in relation to a matter in which counties were essentially interested Scotch counties should not be represented; at least two such Members should be added.

Motion deferred till Thursday.